KinCare

Keeping kids in the family

More than 5 million children in the United States are being raised by their grandparents and many more are being cared for by extended family members. Drugs, alcohol, crime, violence and abuse are the roots of this epidemic and CFLC applauds the efforts of these relatives, especially the elderly, to keep these kids in the family.

This is not a simple task. Formal custody is required for school enrollment, medical care and the right to live in a safe, caring home. Many children need clothes, tutoring, lots of attention and sometimes therapy. They typically have been deprived of their childhood and many of the simple things we take for granted. As one KinCare kid put it, “At grandma’s house I have my own bed, and it even has sheets!”

KinCare resource counselors guide these caring relatives through the legal labyrinth of guardianship, provide clinical therapy and support groups and direct these expanded families to many critical resources. Play groups, tutoring, camps, holiday food baskets, parties and gifts restore childhoods and heal the wounds of abandonment. These activities also give grandparents a break and stretch those dollars set aside for the golden years. CFLC’s KinCare was proud to help almost 1400 children and relatives throughout Riverside County this past year in their efforts to keep kids in the family.