Attempting to find services and resources can be a long, frustrating process even for those who work in or are familiar with the social service delivery system. For the majority of people the task of finding help can sometimes seem overwhelming. Sometimes determining where to begin can be the most difficult and time-consuming task of all.

The purpose of this resource guide is to give grandparents raising grandchildren a quick overview of services, programs, and general "starting points" to get needed assistance. The guide also provides tips and general information that grandparents may want to consider as they courageously take on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren.

Note: This guide is by no means an exhaustive listing of all agencies and services available to grandparents raising grandchildren. We attempted to list resources and services that are statewide and that serve as clearinghouses for further referrals-- starting points. If you know of valuable services that are statewide and benefit grandparents raising grandchildren, please let us know.

How to Use this Guide

This guide has been divided into sections. The guide begins with emotional ups and downs that are often common experiences associated with being a grandparent caregiver. In the first section you will find general information on developmental, health and safety needs. The second section provides information on child care, school and educational needs. The third section offers information on challenges facing today's children. The fourth section contains information on obtaining needed documents, as well as general assistance regarding financial assistance, food, and medical care, and custody and legal issues. The last section of the guide offers suggestions for coping, including information on support groups.  For ease and readability, we have used the following symbols throughout the guide:

for phone numbers to call for help

for ideas,
tips and information