Kinship Navigator
- http://www.nysnavigator.org - a growing number of grandparents and other older relatives find themselves caring for their grandchildren and other relative children due to death, substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, military deployment and other reasons. The Kinship Navigator, is an on-line statewide resource for information and referral where you can access information on laws, legal rights and issues on custody and visitation, eligibility for benefits and entitlement programs, tax credits, respite care and other local services. You can also call their toll-free number at 1-877-454-6463 to speak to a representative, or email them at navigator@nysnavigator.org
In addition to this on-line resource, the NYS Office of Children and Family Services supports 13 regional programs that provide direct services to twenty-three counties. You can also link to these regional programs by going to the Kinship Navigator county resource menu.
National Committee of Grandparents for Children's Rights- a coalition of concerned grandparents, citizens and agencies. They have forty one chapters in the United States and members in every state. Their mission is to advocate and lobby for substantial and urgent legislative changes that protect the rights of grandparents to secure their grandchildren's health, happiness and well-being. They are committed to monitoring agencies that affect grandchildren at the city, county, state and federal levels and to protecting the rights of grandparents and the needs of at risk grandchildren. Address: School of Social Welfare HSC, L2, Room 093, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY 11794, toll-free number 866-624-9900
AARP's site for grandparents - and other relatives raising children.
NY City DFTA Grandparent webite - is a resource for NY City residents. The Center provides information/assistance to those raising grandchildren and other young relatives. Staff can help caregivers and make referrals to community-based organizations.
Having a Voice & a Choice
NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) handbook for relatives raising children is a summary of laws and resources for kinship families. You can also obtain a copy at your local DSS Office.
Do you need financial help to raise your grandchild?
Link to the NYS Navigator for information on financial assistance and other helpful information. Learn about AARP New York and the New York State Kincare Coalition's statewide public awareness
to campaign to help grandparents who are raising grandchildren and other kin caregivers receive financial assistance. You can also call their toll-free number at 1-877-454-6463 for help.
June 30, 2009: "Removing Barriers to Successful Kinship Caregiving"A Study by the New York City Kincare Task Force
Relatives Raising Children: A Guide to Finding Help and Hope
Marianne Takas, J.D. Third Edition 2005. This book is based upon what long-term relative caregivers (and family services professionals) have learned about raising relative children. You'll find useful information, strategies, and ideas, and where you can get help. Cost: $6.00; you can order this guide online. Or contact The Brookdale Foundation, 950 Third Avenue, 19th Floor, NY, NY 10022, Phone: 212-308-7355, Fax: 212-750-0132
The Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) - is designed to encourage and promote the creation or expansion of services for grandparents and other relatives who have taken on the responsibility of surrogate parenting. The program awards seed grants of $10,000 over a two-year period. RAPP provides extensive services, primarily to relative caregivers caring for children outside the foster care system. They conduct a National Orientation and Training Conference and provide technical assistance through site bulletins, a newsletter, and conference calls to facilitate opportunities for networking and information exchange. To find a local program in your area visit their website.
