Family Education & Support Programs - Kinship (continued)

Background

In June 2002, the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) issued its report, Kinship Care in Washington State:  Prevalence, Policy, and Needs, as directed by the 2001 State Legislature. 

 In the United States, more than 6 million children live with relatives other than their parents, and more than 4 million grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives provide care for these children.  In Thurston, Lewis and Mason Counties….  As the role of grandparents as parents of their grandchildren becomes increasingly acknowledged, programs for them are being developed. 

In collaboration with the Area Agency on Aging a Kinship support program was successfully implemented by the Community Action Council in October of 2003.

The Kinship Program links grandparents and other relative caregivers to support groups, resources, provides education, and increased access. 

The Kinship Conversations program intends to support relative caregivers by offering a support group, educational workshops, a resource library, Navigator services, and an opportunity to connect with others living in similar situations.

Kinship Care Support Program

Click here to download and print out a PDF version of the flyer on this program, which provides financial support to lower income kin caregivers (note:  it may take a few minutes for this file to load up.  Not recommended for dial-up Internet users.)    This form will help determine whether you are eligible, and assist us in identifying your needs.  Contact us to make an appointment for an interview if you believe you are eligible.  You can also download the following Word documents by clicking on the underlined words:

Statewide contacts for Kinship Care Support Program representatives

Statewide directory of Area Agencies on Aging KCSP program coordinators

Useful Links for Kinship Care Providers

Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging

Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Disability  Services  Administration

AARP Grandparents page