By Veronica Scott

When relatives such as grandparents raise children, it could be due to a parent’s death, military duty or criminal behavior. Some children require a change from drug fueled, abusive homes or parents who are in jail or mentally ill. Grandparents are often looking forward to their sunset years, and may not be prepared for the financial, emotional, or mental strain this puts on the, and they may become overwhelmed. There are State Fact Sheets that correlate data for the use of grandparents or kinship care givers, which contains updated information on services, resources, and programs open to them, state policies for foster care, benefit programs that are critical to the public, State laws that affect them, and helpful National and State organizations that may be helpful. The updates on these fact sheets occurs once a year, with twelve to thirteen approximate states fully updating each quarter of the year.

Primary children caregivers, such as grandparents, are faced with various pitfalls, namely emotional, medical, financial, and legal challenges. The initial step in the determination of needed support revolves around legal questions, such as adoption, guardianship and adoption. Without legal bearings, grandparents many find it difficult to take medical decisions or enroll grandchildren in educational institutions. State financial assistance is available in some states, through sources such as social security, temporary assistance to needy families, foster care, or Medicaid might be available. Inquire with private heath insurance companies if grandchildren are allowable for inclusion in your policy, if you have one. Local Social Services Departments contain information on Medicaid eligibility, or try State Children’s Health Insurance Programs.

Grandparents might be eligible for relief programs under Federal Relief Programs, such as earned credits on income tax, child tax, and health coverage. Every year the tax laws and their requirements change therefore getting assistance when filing taxes is crucial, especially to make sure that all relief credits open to you are made available. For further assistance on child and other taxes relieves, visit the local IRS office in person or visit the IRS website. Childcare is obtainable through Child Care Aware. This service aids in locating experts in child care through the Child Care Resource and Referral services. This resource will aid in locating providers of Child Care Referrals, child care that is appropriate State licensing information, as well as other helpful information. Financial assistance to pay for child care may be available to grandparents, through Child Care Aware brochures.

Emotional support for the grandchildren as well as the grandparents is available within their communities, as atypical problems spanning behavioral, educational, and psychological issue arise as a result of grandparents raising grandchildren, as it is quite different to look after grandchildren in comparison to you own kids. Both the grandparents and grandchildren may be undergoing confusion, disappointment and anger at the absence or inability of the parents/children not being available. By seeking faith community help from sources such as individual counselors, support agencies, other relatives, it eases the burden.

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