Family Resources

Grandparent and Relative Caregiver resources when assuming primary care for infants and toddlers

This page is designed for family members who have had a child placed in their care by a protective investigator or the court resulting from allegations of abuse, abandonment or neglect. It is intended to provide “at a glance” information about what to do in the early hours and days after a child is placed in your care. This can be a very stressful time for your household, as well as for the little one you are caring for. The information below will help answer some of the questions you have about financial supports, assistance in applying for public benefits, how to access the child’s health and medical records for childcare and for school, registering the child for school, contact with the child’s parents, anticipating and responding sensitively to behavioral challenges the child in your care may present, and other valuable information.

CASH, MEDICAID, AND FOOD STAMPS WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN SCHOOL REGISTRATION AND CHILD CARE
 Groceries in a bag with "Food Stamps" written over it  Baby feeding her mother food  Two children writing on paper
MEDICAL/BIRTH CERTIFICATES CHILD/PARENT CONTACT GUIDELINES HELPING THE CHILD ADJUST
 Files containing medical records  Three people smiling  Child leaning on a table with his chin resting on his arms

GETTING CONNECTED

To connect with other families like yours, who are helping care for children until they are able to return home to their families, please call The Kinship Services Intake Line at 1-888-920-8761. They run monthly support groups and you are welcome to attend. The groups help relative caregivers make new connections with other caregivers and increase social support. They can be a great way to find additional help, resources and support.