Help for relatives & caregivers
Hope Sparks offers programs to assist those raising children in the absence of a child's biological parents. We recognize that many in this position struggle with the lack of recognition, authority, legal security and other resources. We are here to support you.
Our Pierce County Kinship Navigator, Rosalyn Alber, helps families determine their most immediate needs and navigate public and private resources available. She has 14 years of social work experience and is available by telephone or appointment. Contact Rosalyn at ralber@hopesparks.org or 253.565.4484.
All programs of Pierce County Relatives Raising Children are free to County residents
View a Pierce County Client Court video that includes great information about dependency and issues faced by relatives raising children.
Issues related to kinship care
• When parents cannot adequately perform their parental duties, children must have an adult who can provide adequate care.
• Grandparents and other relatives are the most suitable persons to assume responsibility.
• Relative caregivers must be encouraged to offer a home to children and they must not be financially disadvantaged upon assuming this responsibility.
• Relative caregivers must have the authority to make decisions that are part of the proper care of children.
• Relative caregivers need legal security to maintain relationships between themselves, the parents and children.
• Relative caregivers need access to information, support and counseling.
• Children need to be accepted by caregivers and have the opportunity to move forward, with the hope of eventual reconnection with their parent.
• To enable parents to parent again, they need to develop the necessary skills. If they are substance abusers, they must receive intensive treatment. In the meantime, children need the consistent parenting provided by caregivers.
• Members of the legal, child welfare, education, medical, law enforcement, spiritual, mental health and entitlement systems as well as the government must be educated to understand the role they can play in assisting relative-headed households.
Have questions about the Relatives Raising Children
or Kinship Care programs?
Resources
• Kinship Care Conference Information and Registration
• Counseling for Relatives Raising Children
• Resources for Relatives Raising Children
• Summer Resources for Relatives Raising Children
• 5th Annual Voices of the Children Contest
• Click Here for Washington State Kinship Care Accomplishments article
|
