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Kinship

Grandparents or other relatives can become Foster Parents for children within their families.

This is known as, "Kinship Care".

Placing the children with a relative is the preferred placement and takes priority over any other placement.

You are not alone. There are many families doing it! Grandparents raising grandchildren is more common than you may think.

Due to drug use and addiction, many young parents are unable to cope with raising their own children.

More and more families are seeing a need for "Foster Care" within their own family.

You and the children may face many challenges due to the many changes that you may go through:

changes in your routine and lifestyle

financial struggles

changes in family relationships

feelings of isolation

health problems caused by the pressure of parenting responsibilities

challenging health issues of the children

The children may "act-out", showing the following behaviors:

physical or verbal aggression

sleep problems and / or bed wetting

reverting to baby behavior

testing limits or manipulation

hyperactivity

withdraw / depression

change in eating patterns

If these behaviors persist, it is important to seek therapy for the children.

(It is advisable that you seek therapy for children who have been physically and / or sexually abused.)

Amador County Mental Health

Jackson: (209) 223-6412

El Dorado County Mental Health

Placerville: (530) 621-6200