You Are Not Alone - MSU School of Social Work€¦ · The Kinship Care Resource Center You Are Not...

You Are Not Alone n 1The Kinship Care Resource Center [email protected] • (517) 355-9600 or (800) 535-1218

A Caregiver’s Guide to Raising Relative Children

in Michigan

You Are Not Alone

2 n You Are Not AloneThe Kinship Care Resource Center

[email protected] • (517) 355-9600 or (800) 535-1218


You Are Not Alone

A Caregiver’s Guide to Raising Relative Children

in Michigan

Funded by:Michigan Ofce of Services to the Aging

Developed by:The Kinship Care Resource Center

Dr. Teresa C. Jones, DirectorKimberly Clementz, M.S.W., Coordinator

6810 S. Cedar, Suite 6Lansing, MI [email protected]

(517) 355-9600 or (800) 535-1218

December 2002


Table of Contents

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Legal Terms & Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Financial Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Food & Nutrition Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Health Care Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Mental Health Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Educational Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

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Introduction

In the United States today, over 5.4 million children are being cared for by grandparents and other relative caregivers, according to 2002 U.S. Census Supplemental Survey Data. In Michigan alone, over 66,000 grandparents are

caregivers, and 11.9% of these kinship care families live below the poverty line. Because more and more relatives are raising children, it is important to take into account the availability of resources to provide for the legal, financial, nutritional, medical, educational and emotional needs of children and families.

Kinship families are important resources for our children, and it is important you are provided with the resources you need to continue your important work.

The information in this handbook is a starting point for identifying resources for relatives providing kinship care. Government agencies and offices are often listed in the blue pages in the phone book. Many community phone books also have separate sections that list family services, charitable organizations or an informa-tion and referral service to call for help in locating specific types of services. Your local library and the Internet are additional resources for information. Schools, day care providers, community health clinics and pediatrician offices may also be of assistance. If you need any help finding resources for your family, please call the Kinship Care Resource Center at (800) 535-1218 or (517) 355-9600.

The task you have undertaken as a caregiver is a challenging but rewarding one. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance from family members and friends. Remem-ber that your health and well-being are important to the child’s future. As you care for the child, take care of yourself and do not forget...you are not alone.

If you would like additional information on any of these topics or other support services, please contact the Kinship Care Resource Center at (517) 355-9600 or (800) 535-1218.

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Legal Terms & Resources

All kinship care providers have certain rights and benefits, but depending on the nature of the family’s circumstances, the term kinship care has many different meanings. Below we explain some of the different legal arrange-

ments that kinship caregivers may find themselves in.

Informal KinshipInformal kinship care includes relatives who take care of other family members’ children without a formal, legal arrangement. In this situation, the parents main-tain legal custody and rights of the children, regardless of the parents’ level of emotional or financial contribution.

Power of AttorneyBy signing a Power of Attorney, parents can legally grant relatives the authority to raise the children as the relatives’ own without the involvement of an attorney. This is a form of informal care that gives relatives the ability to make decisions that may directly affect the children, such as seeking medical attention.

Limited GuardianshipWithin the arrangements of a limited guardianship, parents and relatives work together to create temporary legal arrangements for the children. In the presence of a court hearing, parents can consent to give up their parental rights for a speci-fied time frame. Within this time frame, rights are awarded to the chosen relatives to make decisions for the children. However, all decisions made must be within the awarded rights stated in the temporary legal contract.

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Full/Permanent GuardianshipFull/permanent guardianship can be granted to kinship caregivers if they have informally raised their relatives’ children for a period of time or if the parents are no longer able to care for their children. To acquire full/permanent guardianship, kinship caregivers must file a case in a court that has jurisdiction over family law matters; in Michigan, this is a Circuit Court, Family Division. If the kinship care-giver can show proof of a fixed income or receipt of public aid, courts fees and costs can be waived.

CustodyCustody is the result of obtaining legal rights and responsibility for a child through a Family Court. This is a long-term agreement, lasting until the child is 18 years of age unless the court determines the custody should be changed. Change of cus-tody requires a formal hearing in the court. Kinship caregivers can gain custody of their relatives’ children when:n Parents sign a contract that gives the caregiver legal custody. orn A court gives the caregiver custody during a court hearing.

Kinship Foster CareIn situations where the court has removed a child or children from their home, the kinship caregivers of those children may choose to become licensed foster care parents. If eligibility requirements are met, the state will provide health care and financial aid for the children. Under this arrangement, the court will have legal custody of the children, and a foster care worker from the Family Independence Agency will help to ensure the well-being of the children. Caregivers can get assis-tance with the foster care process from their local Family Independence Agency. Licensed foster care providers receive financial assistance from the Family Inde-pendence Agency. More detailed information on this topic is available in the Financial Resources section of this handbook.

Legal Terms & Resources - continued

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AdoptionAdoption is the process of gaining permanent legal custody of a child. Caregivers can adopt children when:n Parents willingly give consent to the adoption of their child by a relative.orn The Family Court has terminated the rights of the parents.

Kinship caregivers can get assistance with the adoption process from their local Family Independence Agency. Caregivers who adopt relative children may be eli-gible to receive an adoption subsidy through the Family Independence Agency. More detailed information on this subsidy is available in the Financial Resources section of this handbook.

Where to Find Legal HelpAffordable legal services and consultation are available for kinship caregivers. Organizations providing free consultation or reduced-cost legal services include:n Kinship Care Resource Center (800) 535-1218 or (517) 355-9600.n Legal Hotline for Older Michiganians (800) 347-5297.n Your local Legal Aid clinic.

Legal Terms & Resources - continued

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Financial Resources

Financial resources can be an important aid to help kinship caregivers meet the daily requirements of the children who depend on them. Such resources and programs are described below.

Family Independence Program (FIP)FIP provides financial assistance to families who need such support to care for their relative children. FIP money can take two forms: Ineligible Grantee Awards or Eligible Grantee Awards, which are explained below. Contact your local Family Independence Agency for more information on either of these awards.

Ineligible Grantee Awards

Ineligible grantee awards are also called Child Only Grants. To receive the Ineligible Grantee Award on behalf of a relative child, you must show:n The child is under the age of 18.n The child has no parental involvement or support because the parents are

absent from the home, unable to work, cannot find a job or are deceased.n The child’s income does not exceed eligibility standards.n The child lives with a caretaker relative.

When applying for the Child Only Grants, the child’s income and assets are the main items used for consideration. However, the child must be living with the caregiver and be related to the caregiver. Legal custody of the child is not required, and children approved for Child Only Grants are automatically eligible for Med-icaid.

Eligible Grantee Awards

Eligible Grantee Awards are also called Family Grants. Eligibility is based on the income and assets of all family members. To remain eligible for FIP benefits, kin-ship caregivers must be able to work as a means of showing independence, unless they can prove that they are disabled or over 65 years of age.

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Child SupportTo access child support, a kinship caregiver can file with their local Friend of the Court office. Depending on the income of the parents, a court can order the parents to pay child support and health insurance for the child. In most cases, if a family is receiving FIP money, the amount of FIP money will be reduced by the amount of child support collected. Kinship Foster CareIf licensed as kinship foster care providers, kinship caregivers can obtain finan-cial aid through the Family Independence Agency. For kinship caregivers to be eli-gible to become licensed foster parents, the relative child must have been placed in their home by Child Protective Services. The home of the kinship caregiver will be inspected for health conditions, space and safety regulations. If the kinship care-giver passes each inspection and is licensed, the financial aid package they receive will include:n Subsidized child care.n Medicaid.n Respite care.n Payments* of $10.27 per day for children age 12 and under and $12.64 per

day for children age 13 and over (this amount may be more for special needs children).

If a kinship caregiver decides to become a foster care parent, a foster care worker will be assigned to the family. Other services will then be made available to the family, including counseling, support groups and referral services.

Adoption AssistanceIf a kinship caregiver has adopted a child, the child may be eligible to receive an adoption subsidy. The amount of the subsidy may be more for special needs chil-dren. Your local Family Independence Agency can assist caregivers with the adop-tion process.

*Payment rates identified were those in effect as of December 2002.

Financial Resources - continued

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be a source of financial assistance for kin-ship families. Persons receiving SSI are also eligible to receive Medicaid. Kinship caregivers can receive SSI if:n The caregiver is low income and age 65 or older.orn Any family member is blind or disabled (physically or mentally).

To apply for SSI, contact your local Social Security Office, (800) 772-1213, or your local Family Independence Agency.

Financial Resources - continued

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Food & Nutrition Programs

Food and nutrition programs exist to assist caregivers in meeting the daily requirements of the children who depend on them. Such resources and pro-grams are described below.

Women, Infant & Children (WIC) ProgramThe WIC program helps to reduce malnutrition of children in low-income families by providing food and health care to children under age 5 and pregnant or post-partum women. To be eligible for the WIC program, a kinship caregiver must live in the state in which they are applying and must be able to prove their need by showing evidence that their child may be at-risk for poor nutrition or health. WIC services include:n WIC food coupons that allow families to purchase food at authorized stores.n Educational seminars on how to provide nutritious meals for children.n Referral services to other health and social services, such as Medicaid, Food

Stamps, prenatal care, immunization and substance abuse programs.

To apply for the WIC program, contact your local Health Department.

Food Stamp ProgramThe food stamp program provides low-income families with coupons or electronic benefit transfers (EBTs) good toward food purchases. Food stamps are used like money to purchase food. They can be used at most grocery stores, at many food co-ops, as well as some farmers’ markets. Food stamps cannot be used to purchase non-food items, such as clothing, tissue or paper. EBT’s are also referred to as Bridge Cards. The Bridge Cards are used like debit cards to purchase food. Food stamps—whether coupons or Bridge Cards—are issued on a monthly basis, based on the number of people in the household, the household income and household

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expenses. Your county Family Independence Agency can help determine if you are eligible.

Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch and Breakfast ProgramSchool districts are required to offer free and reduced-price lunches. Many school districts offer free and reduced-price breakfast, as well. A child in kinship care may qualify for free or reduced-price meals as a student if the caregiver is receiv-ing food stamps or FIP benefits for the child. To receive free meals, children must live with families whose incomes are equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty line. Reduced-price meals are awarded to children whose families have incomes between 131% and 185% of poverty. For more information regarding free and reduced-price meals, families should contact the food service director in their local school district or the Michigan Department of Education’s Food and Nutri-tion Program at (517) 373-3347.

Other Food ProgramsMany local community agencies provide food pantries where families can go to receive non-perishable food products. This service can be helpful in stretching a family’s food budget. Local agencies providing this service include the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, churches and community centers. Most of these agencies will be listed in the telephone book.

Food & Nutrition Programs - continued

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Health Care Programs

The State of Michigan offers health care coverage from a number of avail-able programs. A minor child in a relative’s care may qualify. Minor child is defined as any child under age 19.

MedicaidMedicaid is a state- and federally-funded program that pays medical bills for qual-ified applicants. Medicaid will pay for most regular medical services, such as:n Physicians.n Hospitalizations.n X-rays.n Family planning.n Clinic services.n Laboratory tests.n Vision and hearing screenings.n Most prescription drugs.

Eligibility for Medicaid is based on various criteria:n Persons who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled; families with children;

pregnant women and persons under the age of 21.n Persons who have an income and/or assets at or below the appropriate

income/asset limit for Medicaid category.n Your relative child may be eligible for Medicaid if he or she meets all Med-

icaid eligibility requirements except for income and if medical expenses exceed a certain level.

n If your child currently receives FIP money, the Child Only Grant or the Ineli-gible Grantee Award, then he or she is eligible for Medicaid.

n All persons receiving SSI are eligible for Medicaid. See the section on Finan-cial Resources in this handbook for more information about SSI.

Persons can apply for Medicaid at their county Family Independence Agency (FIA) office.

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Healthy KidsHealthy Kids is a free health coverage program for children under 19 years of age or for pregnant women of any age. Healthy Kids covers necessary health care, including:n Doctor visits.n Hospital care.n Prescriptions.n Lab work.n X-rays.n Health check-ups.n Immunizations.n Transportation to the medical provider, if needed.

Your county Family Independence Agency can provide more information.

MIChildMIChild is a program for low- to moderate-income families with children who do not currently have insurance. Many HMOs and other health care plans provide MIChild services. A monthly premium payment of $5 per family is required for MIChild participation regardless of the number of children covered. There are no copays or deductibles. To be eligible for MIChild, families must meet the following gross monthly income guidelines:

$1,800 for a family of 2 $2,300 for a family of 3$2,800 for a family of 4 $3,200 for a family of 5

MIChild covers:n Regular check-ups.n Shots.n Emergency care.n Dental care.n Prescription drugs.

Health Care Programs - continued

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n Hospital care.n Prenatal care.n Vision and hearing screenings.n Mental health and substance abuse services.n Other services.

To find out more, call the Health Department at (888) 988-6300 or your local Family Independence Agency.

Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)Children and some adults with special health needs and chronic health problems may receive coverage and referrals to specialty services. Call your local Health Department at (888) 988-6300 for details about these services.

ImmunizationImmunizations are usually provided by the local Health Department either at a reduced rate or free of charge. For a child who is enrolled in the Medicaid pro-gram, an assigned health care provider is required to provide immunizations. Contact your local Health Department at (888) 988-6300 with questions regarding immunizations.

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Mental Health Services

It is important for caregivers to take care of their own emotional and physical needs so that they can take care of their children. Caregivers who feel stress can talk to friends and family, take some free time for themselves, or seek

counseling through a local Community Mental Health. Caregivers may also find comfort by attending a local support group for caregivers who are in similar situa-tions. Many support groups and programs for caregivers also offer support groups and activities for the children. To find a local support group near you, contact the Kinship Care Resource Center at (800) 535-1218 or (517) 355-9600.

Some children may experience emotional problems that affect their mental health and behavior. It is important to deal with these issues openly and promptly and talk to children about their feelings. Children may also find comfort in attending support groups and other events with children in similar situations. By partici-pating in activities like these, children learn to share their feelings and discover that they are not alone. Many of these groups are offered at the same time as care-giver support groups. To find a group near you, contact the Kinship Care Resource Center at (800) 535-1218 or (517) 355-9600.

Some children may need outside counseling to better understand their emotional issues. You can find counseling for your child by contacting your local Community Mental Health.


Educational Resources

To enroll a child in a Michigan public school, you will need the child’s birth certificate, proof of current immunizations and documentation showing school district residency, such as a driver’s license, voter registration, utility

bill or other document imprinted with your street address. As a relative provid-ing kinship care, you are not required to be a legal custodian or guardian to enroll a child in school or to ask questions about and participate in the child’s educa-tion. Documentation to enroll your child in school can be obtained from your local Health Department, as well as your county Family Independence Agency.

If your child shows signs of any academic, behavioral or emotional issues, your school counselor, school social worker or principal may be helpful in identifying services both inside and outside the school to assist.

Schools can also help with food and nutrition needs of children. See the Food and Nutrition Programs section of this handbook for more information on free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches provided by schools.

Early OnThe Early On program provides early intervention services for families with chil-dren between the ages of birth to 36 months who are not developing physically, socially or emotionally at the same rate as other children. There is no charge to families for an evaluation. Call (888) EARLY-ON for more information.

Michigan School ReadinessMichigan School Readiness is a program for 4-year-old children who have been identified as from low-income families or at-risk for school failure. This program was implemented to promote school readiness and provide children with a great start. Contact your local public school for more information.

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Early Head StartThe Early Head Start program provides comprehensive services to support the development of healthy infants, toddlers and pregnant women. Contact your local Head Start Office or local school for details about this program.

Head StartHead Start is an educational program for children between ages 3 and 5. The goal of Head Start is to prepare children socially, intellectually, physically and emo-tionally for their entrance into kindergarten. The Head Start program encourages caregiver involvement. Participation in classes and staff visits to the home allow caregivers to learn more about their children’s needs and to be more aware of edu-cational activities that can take place in the home. You can apply for Head Start for your child by contacting the public school your child will attend. If the school in your area does not have a Head Start program, contact the Head Start office at (517) 482-1504.

Even StartEven Start provides adult literacy education, early childhood education and parent/child education. To be eligible, families must have a child from the ages of birth to age 7 and a parent/guardian who is eligible for adult basic education or who is functionally illiterate. Participation is free of charge. Contact your local public school for more information.

Special Education ServicesYou have a right to request your child be tested for special needs. Many children have academic, behavioral and/or emotional issues that make it hard for them to do their best at school. These children may have special education needs the school can help the child overcome. If you would like your child tested for special needs, contact your school principal or school social worker. They may ask you to put your request in writing. If you would like help with this process, you may contact CAUSE (Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education) at (800) 221-9105 or ask for help from the Michigan Department of Education at (517) 373-3324.

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The Kinship Care Resource CenterDr. Teresa C. Jones, Director

Kimberly Clementz, M.S.W., Coordinator6810 S. Cedar, Suite 6

Lansing, MI [email protected]

(517) 355-9600 or (800) 535-1218

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