Are You Raising
A Relative's Child?

There is Friendship
And Help Available

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the Erie County Kinship Care Initiative?

The purpose of this initiative is to provide information and support for kinship caregivers.

The initiative is

• A network of professionals who share information and resources for the purpose of supporting Kinship Caregivers.
  

• A support system for Kinship care families.
  

Who are Kinship Caregivers?

If you are raising the child of a relative or a friend, you are a kinship caregiver.

Two examples might include:

• Grandparents raising grandchildren
  
  
• Adults raising a sibling's child

Common Concerns of Kinship Care

	Why is it so much more difficult to parent the second time around?
	How do I deal with the children's birth parent, who may be my own child?
	Am I alone in this situation?
	What about my social life and my dreams for this time of my life?
	What should I do to assure the best for the children in the event of my own failing health or death?
	How can I build on the strengths of this family for a brighter future?

Reasons for Kinship Care

• Family crisis
  
• Unemployment
  
• Death
  
• Mental health problems
  
• Family violence
  
• Alcohol and drug abuse
  
• Child abuse and neglect
  
• Abandonment
  
• Incarceration
• Divorce

Issues Facing Kinship Caregiver

• Social isolation
  
• Legal issues
  
• Lack of information/ Access to community resources
  
• Housing difficulties
  
• Health problems
  
• Economic difficulties
  
• Stress
  
• Children's behavior problems
  
• Children with special needs
  
• Lack of respite/Child care resources
  
  

How can the Kinship Care
Project help?

• Become part of a county-wide network of kinship care support.
  
  
• Get information on available services at the state and local levels.
  
  
• Learn about available financial assistance.
  
  
• Gain help on legal issues.
  
  
• Take part in fun family outings.
  
  
• Obtain program resources and fact sheets on kinship care issues, including how to build family strengths and improve family communication.
  
  
• Attend informational, group support meetings. Day and evening groups are offered with speakers from the community. Childcare is available for evening groups. Time is always provided for refreshments and making new friends.
  
  
  
  

The Kinship Care Initiative is a voluntary cooperative effort of:

• Penn State Cooperative Extension in Erie County
  
• Erie Center on Health and Aging
  
• United Way/Success by 6
  
• Erie County Bar Association
  
• Erie Family Center
  
• Family Services of NW Pennsylvania
  
• Crossroads Community Baptist Church
  
• St. Joseph Neighborhood Network
  
• Union City Family Support Center
  
• Interested Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
  
• And an expanding network of interested individuals and organizations
  

For more information contact:
Lynn Clint, Extension Educator - Family and Consumer Sciences
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Erie County
850 East Gore Road
Erie, PA 16509-3798
Phone: 814-825-0900
Or e-mail at lbc10@psu.edu

Want to Learn More?

It has been said that it takes a village
to raise a child, but when it comes to Kinship Care:

It Takes a County.

Together, we can make a difference!

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Lynn Clint at
814-825-0900 in advance of your participation or visit.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or sexual orientation or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at the Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Bldg, University Park, PA 16802-2801,
Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.