CDF State Fact Sheets for Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children

Across the United States, more than 6 million children are being raised in households headed by grandparents and other relatives as parents struggle with substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, economic hardship, divorce, domestic violence, and other serious problems. In New Jersey, there are 127,263 children living in grandparent-headed households (6.1% of all the children in the state). There are another 44,132 children living in households headed by other relatives (2.1% of all the children in the state). In New Jersey, there are 127,263 children living in grandparent-headed households (6.1% of all the children in the state). There are another 44,132 children living in households headed by other relatives (2.1% of all the children in the state). These family members (or “kinship caregivers”) are caring for children both inside and outside the foster care system. This fact sheet provides information and resources to help with the challenges they face.
http://www.childrensdefense.org/childwelfare/kinshipcare/fact_sheets/newjersey.pdf

Grandparent's and Other Relative Caregiver's Guides: CDF has written four guides, specifically for kinship caregivers, about health care and insurance; raising children with disabilities; child care and early education programs; and food and nutrition programs. These guides are designed to answer questions and offer information about federal programs, eligibility requirements, and how to enroll the children they are raising so they receive the supports they need.

State Fact Sheets for Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children: These state fact sheets include the most up-to-date state information, including: newly available census data on the number of grandparent caregivers; a comprehensive list of kinship care family resources and services; state foster care policies for kinship caregivers; information about key public benefit programs; and state kinship care laws.

Healthy Ties: Ensuring Health Coverage for Children Raised by Grandparents and Other Relatives: This publication outlines the findings of a national survey and features a state-by-state look at Medicaid and CHIP enrollment. Its companion guide, Healthy Ties: The Grandparent's and Other Relative Caregiver's Guide to Health Insurance for Children, provides answers to questions about Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Strengthening the Safety Net: Expanding Community Support for Kinship Care Families: A Kinship Care Overview: Grandparents and other relatives caring for children face enormous challenges. They need help to appropriately care for their kin and to support themselves in their caregiving role. This report explains how their needs can most effectively be addressed by local schools, child care and recreational programs, health and mental health care providers, and faith-based organizations.