What types of support services are available and how are they accessed?
While kinship care promotes positive family relationships, kinship caregivers and the children in their care are often in need of support services. Public and private social services agencies provide support services for families including kin who are caring for their grandchildren, niece or nephew. Check with your local social service agency to find out what type of services they provide. Some support services that social services agencies may provide are: • Emergency food, clothing and furnishing; • Financial Assistance; • Medical Assistance for the children; • Child care; • Respite Care; • Counseling and guidance in resolving family conflicts or parental problems that are preventing the return of the child(ren) to parents and; • Information & referral to services and resources that will assist in maintaining the children in your home.