KINSHIP CARE MANUAL

 

COPYRIGHT © 1995

THE FOLLOWING MANUAL MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM OF CENTRAL FLORIDA OR SENIORS FIRST, INC. TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THIS MANUAL OR FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE KINSHIP CARE PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOSTER GRANDAPRENT PROGRAM OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, 407.298.4180.

 

 

FORWARD

 

 

This handbook includes general guidelines, information and answers to questions you may have as a caregiver for minor children that have come into your care and custody through a variety of circumstances.  You should know you are not alone.  There are many different family members who are in your position and are assuming these responsibilities.  The purpose of the handbook is to provide you with the names and contact numbers for agencies that may be able to assist you.

 

Every effort has been made to include accurate, up-to-date information.  However because services, names, telephone numbers and eligibility guidelines change frequently, we encourage you to contact organizations directly and update the information as needed.  For government agencies, the blue pages in your telephone book may be the easiest way.

 

The inclusion of an organization in this guide does not constitute endorsement nor does exclusion imply disapproval.

 

This guide is written specifically for people residing in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. To that end we have provided telephone and addresses for those counties. However the information is general enough to apply to other areas.  Check your telephone book or local Information and Referral agency for information pertinent to your community.

 

This guide was originally published in 1996 by a partnership involving the Area Agency on Aging (now known as the Senior Resource Alliance), the Department of Elder Affairs, Florida Hospital, Channel 24 WMFE, and the Foster Grandparent Program of Central Florida.

 

Funding for this update was provided by Seniors First, Inc, the Foster Grandparent Program of Central Florida, the Senior Resource Alliance, the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and the Department of Elder Affairs.

 

 

 

printed - December 2001

 

 

I. INTRODUCTION

 

 

This Resource Guide is developed on behalf of the many caregivers - grandparents and others - who are now assuming the responsibility for providing the care, love, nurturing, and security of their grandchildren.

 

Although we speak fondly of the ways in which our grandchildren enrich our lives, the demands of parenting late in life often come on top of mounting health problems and financial pressures.  Those living on fixed incomes must absorb the additional expense of caring for children with little or no help from the parents, family, or the State.

 

There are a growing number of grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.  According to a 1998 U. S. Census report, there are more than 1.4 million children who are being raised solely by grandparents.  This Resource Guide is designed to ease the burden of "Second Parenthood".  It contains information, resources, and suggestions.  While it is not complete by any means, it is a beginning; a framework.  It is the framework for your own personal manual.  You are encouraged to update the manual routinely. Add new resources and information as you become aware of them.  Make it specific to your situation. 

 

There are many concerns, feelings, and questions that go along with your responsibility as a caregiver. The Resource Guide will provide you with some of the answers to your questions and give you direction to some of the resources available to you.

 

As a caregiver, it is important to know your legal status and to maintain information on the health and educational needs of the children in your care. It is your responsibility to get the information you require.  Start by making a list of questions to ask when you come in contact with an agency or service provider.  Write down the names of the people with whom you speak and remember to ask for required documents, eligibility requirements, criteria for participating, or other pieces of information that you may need when applying for special programs.

 

DO NOT be intimidated by the "bureaucracy".  Your questions are important, and you need people to listen to your concerns and help you find the answers!  Do not give up until you get the information that you are requesting.  If you are not treated with the dignity that you deserve, let an authority figure know.  Ask who the supervisor or director is and follow up with a letter stating how you were treated. There are many caring people who will listen and who can help you with your needs. Please say "thank you for the information and for taking the time to help me" to these people.

 

The renewed responsibility of caring for children can be difficult. This Resource Guide is a tool to make your job as a caregiver less difficult. In an attempt to care for your grandchildren, do not neglect your own health. Remember to take your medications and to inform your family physician of your added responsibilities. Stay healthy - physically, emotionally, and socially.  Take time for yourself, reach out to others, and, above all, enjoy your extended family.

 

Tips:

 

Ø      Get prompt legal advice about custody and financial planning.  Expect that you may have to consult with more than one attorney or agency.

Ø      Look for a support group for grandparents or parents.  Check with local hospitals and social service agencies to find meeting times.

Ø      Don't forget to take care of yourself.  Ask a friend or relative to baby-sit so you can sneak away to the movies, the mall, or visit a neighbor.

Ø      Keep open communication with the parents of the child, if possible.  At some point, the issues that led to surrendering custody may be resolved.  The prospect of regaining custody may be a motivator for those struggling with drug or financial problems.  If seeing a parent is upsetting to the children, try to keep in touch through cards, the phone, or email.

 

 

A.                  CHECKLIST

 

The responsibility of becoming a caregiver can be stressful and overwhelming.  There are several important issues that may need your immediate attention.  The best way to cope with stress is to make a list of things that need to be done.  A checklist of key activities has been provided to assist you in your responsibilities as a caregiver.  Have one central location for keeping important papers, names, phone numbers, and official documents.  The checklist below is meant to get you started so you may wish to add other items that require your attention.  Thanks for the love and attention you provide as a caregiver.

 

 

CAREGIVER CHECKLIST

 

1.                  Legal custody has been established for the           Yes__ No__ Date:_______

child(ren)      

 

2.                  The following documents are in my possession and are in

a safe place:

 

a. Birth Certificate                                                                  Yes__ No__ Date:_________

b. Social Security Card                                      Yes__ No__ Date:_________

c.  School records                                                          Yes__ No__ Date: ________

 

3          Does the child(ren) have a doctor?                                    Yes__ No__ Date:________

Last physical examination                                                                    Date:________

Child(ren)'s shots up-to-date?                             Yes__ No__ Date:________

Is child(ren) on medications                                        Yes__ No__ Date:________

            List medications:___________________________________________________

Child(ren) have special physical conditions

that need close supervision and /or require

medications?                                                                        Yes__ No__  Date:________

List conditions:___________________________________________________

 

4.             Child(ren) are being seen by a counselor?                  Yes__ No__  Date:________

 

5.           All economic resources have been identified

And are being received

 

a.            Food stamps?                                                          Yes__ No__  Date:________

b.            TANF?                                                                    Yes__ No__  Date:________

c.            Social Security?                                             Yes__ No__  Date:________

d.            Parental Child Support?                                 Yes__ No__  Date:________

e.            Childcare?                                                     Yes__ No__  Date:________

f.               Medicaid?                                                     Yes__ No__  Date:________

g.            Transportation?                                             Yes__ No__  Date:________

 

6.            Family/neighbors/friends that can assist  

me with the child(ren)                                            Yes__ No__                                 

 

Date:________

 

List names, addresses, phone numbers:

__________________________________________________________________     

__________________________________________________________________

            __________________________________________________________________

     

7.         Plans have been made for the child(ren) in case

something happens to me                                       Yes__ No__  Date:________

 

8.                  Emergency childcare providers:

Name/phone:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Name/Phone:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

9.                  Child(ren)'s School or Child Care Facility:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Teacher (name)

__________________________________________________________________

 

10.             There are things that are needed but not                Yes__ No__  Date:________

provided

 

            List:

            **_______________________________________________________________

 

            **_______________________________________________________________

 

            **_______________________________________________________________

 

            **_______________________________________________________________

 

            **_______________________________________________________________

 

 

B.                 GETTING THE HELP YOU NEED

 

There are many different services and systems you will be coming into contact with while you are providing care for your child(ren).  The questions you ask in the beginning may save you time and a lot of frustration later on.  There are certain requirements for getting services from agencies and organizations.  Some may have an application process and require an interview.  Some may have income requirements and require official documentation.  It is important that you be prepared.  The following suggestions are helpful tips for dealing with the "system".

 

First, identify yourself as the caregiver:

 

"Hello, I am taking care of my (grandchild, niece, etc.) and need help with                    ___________________________________.  Could you direct me to the person who can answer my questions about your services?"

 

1.                  Have a pen and paper ready.  Keep a notebook just for information you need for the child(ren).  List the name of each person that you talk with next to the phone number and name of the agency or organization.  Keep notes on what they tell you.  Save these notes in case you have a problem in the future or need to contact the organization again.

 

 

 

2.         Get the information you need from each agency or organization.  Ask about hours of operation, fees, waiting list, and the application process.  Find out if there is someone in the agency that can help you with the process.  Write down this person's name.  If you have transportation or medical problems, some agencies may be able to do a home visit.  Ask if you need an appointment or if you can walk in.

 

 

 

3.                  If you have to go in for an interview, make sure that you have what you need.

 

 

a.                  Make a list of papers you will need to take to the interview.  If some of these papers are unavailable to you, ask if there is something else you can use.  If the answer is no, ask if someone can help you get the papers that you need.

 

b.                 Write down the name of the person your interview is with. Also note the time and location of the interview.

 

 

c.                  Find out how long the interview will take.  Let them know if you will need to bring you child(ren) with you or if you have a babysitter but only for a short time.

 

d.                 Take notes during the interview.

 

 

e.                  Review the information you have received after the interview and request clarification on anything that you do not understand.

 

f.                   After the interview, ask what will happen next?  How soon can you start getting the service or assistance you need?  Ask if there will be any fees needed when you start the program.

 

 

g.                  Make sure that you leave with all the documents that you took with you.  Allow the agency to make copies.

            **DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ORIGINALS.

 

 

C.                  DOCUMENTS AND IDENTIFICATION

 

1.                WHAT TYPE OF IDENTIFICATION DO I NEED FOR THE CHILD(REN)?

 

Most places ask for certain types of identification.  Below are some types of identification.

 

a.                  SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

 

If you are a grandparent, or other caregiver, you can apply for a Social Security Card for a child if they do not have one.  When you apply, you must show the child's original or a certified birth certificate and one or more documents showing the child's identity.  If you are the person who will sign the form, you must also show personal identification.  To request an application or a missing card, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m and 7 p.m.

 

b.                 ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING BIRTH CERTIFICATES

 

You will need to know certain information about the child in order to get the birth certificate.  If you do not know all of the information, ask for help from your child's counselor or the agency assisting you in finding the certificate.  They may be able to call the Office of Vital Statistics on your behalf to do a search. You may obtain a birth certificate in person, by mail, or by telephone. To request a Birth Certificate contact:

           

Child born in:

Orange County:            (407) 741-4360

Osceola County:            (407) 892-2973

Seminole County:            (407) 665-3226

 

If you are unsure in which county the child(ren) were born contact:

 

Vital Statistics

State of Florida

P.O. Box 210

Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042

(904) 359-6900

 

If the child(ren) was born outside of Florida, you will need to contact Vital Statistics in the state in which they were born.

 

 

C.       BAPTISM CERTIFICATE

 

A copy of the baptism certificate will usually be furnished free of charge by the church where the baptism took place.  To get a copy of the baptism certificate, a written request should be sent directly to the church.

 

To assist the church in locating these records, please provide as much information as possible such as:  date of baptism, name of person baptized, the date of birth, parents names, etc. 

 

 

2.                  ARE THERE ANY OTHER TYPES OF INFORMATION THAT I CAN USE AS IDENTIFICATION?

 

A school record can verify the child(ren)’s date of birth.  This record will not include copies of the birth certificate, but many places will accept it.  You may also use court records.  Remember, any time you are applying for assistance and do not have the required documents, explain your situation and request help. Remember, it is always a good idea to make copies of official documents and forms of identification.  Keep the originals in a safe place.  If you are required to submit documentation to receive a service, let them make a copy for their records.  Make sure that you get back your originals!

II. EDUCATION

 

 

A.            QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM

 

1.     DO CHILDREN HAVE TO GO TO KINDERGARTEN?

 

Yes, the law mandates that children must attend kindergarten.

 

2.     HOW OLD DO CHILDREN HAVE TO BE TO START SCHOOL?

 

A child must be 5 years old on or before September 1st to enter Kindergarten. To enter first grade, a child must be 6 on or before September 1st and must have attended Kindergarten.

 

3.        WHICH SCHOOL WILL MY CHILD(REN) BE ATTENDING?

 

School assignment in a school system is based on the residence of the parent or legal guardian. A legal guardian has custody of the child.

 

Parents and guardians, though, may be able to transfer a child from the assigned school to a school near the child’s care provider or near the parent or guardian’s work.

 

A parent or guardian may apply for a student transfer to a different school that is nearest the child’s care provider. The following factors must be met to be eligible for a childcare transfer.

·              There must be capacity at the requested school.

·              The parent must be able to provide transportation for the child to the new school.

·              The child must have been registered at the childcare center for at least one year. A letter of verification from the center must be provided.

 

A parent or guardian may also apply for a student transfer to a different school that is nearest the parent’s or guardian’s place of work. The following factors must be met to be eligible for this transfer.

 

·              There must be capacity at the requested school.

·              The parent must be able to provide transportation for the child to the new school.

·              The parent or guardian must have been employed at the place of work for at least one year. A letter of verification from the employer must be provided.

Contact the Public School System in your county for additional information:

 

ORANGE COUNTY      (407) 317-3233

SEMINOLE COUNTY   (407) 320-0000

OSCEOLA COUNTY     (407) 870-4600

 

4.     DO THE CHILD(REN) HAVE TO CHANGE SCHOOLS IF THEY MOVE IN WITH ME?

 

The children may have to change schools if you live in a different school zone. If you want the children to remain in the same school, you can apply for a Special Attendance Permit (SAP) from the principal.

 

5.     WHAT DO I NEED TO REGISTER THE CHILD?

 

To register a child, you will need:

 

·              The child’s birth certificate

·              Immunization records

·              Proof of a physical examination (within the last year)

·              Proof of residence (including a homestead exemption, lease/rental agreement/notarized statement of domicile)

·              Each first grader who has attended a private Kindergarten must provide a letter from the Kindergarten that the child has successfully completed the program.

 

6.     HOW DO I KNOW WHEN SCHOOL STARTS?

 

Call the office of the school your child(ren) will attend to determine its schedule.

 

7.     WHO DO I TALK TO AT THE SCHOOL IF I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH REGISTRATION?

 

If you have any problems registering your child, don't give up! The Public School System wants your child to attend school and will do whatever possible to assist you with enrolling your child. Call the Public School Board in your county and explain your problem.

 

8.     IS A PHYSICAL REQUIRED TO ENTER MY CHILD IN SCHOOL?

 

Yes, all children entering Kindergarten must provide a physical, performed within the last year. In addition, the parent or guardian must provide a record of the child’s immunizations. Children entering the 7th Grade must have a series of three shots to prevent Hepatitis B.  If the child attended an out-of-state school, you must request that the records be forwarded to the new school.

 

 

 

 

9.     HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS BEEN IMMUNIZED IF HIS PARENT DID NOT LEAVE THIS INFORMATION?

 

Ask the Public School System if they have a record of the child’s immunization record.

 

10.   CAN MY CHILD GO TO SCHOOL IF I CANNOT AFFORD SHOTS AND A PHYSICAL?

 

No, you must provide to the Public School Board a copy of your child’s physical and immunization record. If you are unable to afford a physical or if you do not have a doctor for the child, call your local County Public Health Unit for information.

 

11.        SHOULD I LET THE SCHOOL KNOW THAT THE CHILD(REN) ARE NO LONGER WITH THEIR PARENT(S)?

 

Yes, it is important that the school be aware of any special circumstances that may affect your child(ren). Don't hesitate to talk with the principal, social worker or guidance counselor.

 

12.   WHO DO I TALK TO IF I AM AFRAID THE CHILD'S PARENT WILL TRY TO TAKE THE CHILD FROM SCHOOL ONCE HE IS IN MY CUSTODY?

 

Give the school instructions not to release the child to anyone without your permission. Be sure that you are listed as the custodial parent of the child at the school. If you have a restraining order and/or custody papers, you may wish to leave a copy with the school.

 

13.   WHO DO I TALK TO IF MY CHILD NEEDS CLOTHING OR SCHOOL SUPPLIES?

 

You can contact your social worker, guidance counselor or the Helpline number in your area for referrals. Listed below are some "clothes closets" that may also be of assistance. Please call for times and locations.

 

CLOTHING CLOSETS:

ORANGE COUNTY              (407) 228-6033

SEMINOLE COUNTY           (407) 260-9155

OSCEOLA COUNTY              (407) 870-4960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.        WHEN CAN A CHILD DROP OUT OF SCHOOL?

 

A child must be at least age 16 to drop out of school. If you are having problems with your child, and feel they are thinking about quitting school, please call the numbers listed below to contact EXCEL ALTERNATIVES.

 

EXCEL ALTERNATIVES:

ORANGE/OSCEOLA COUNTY                   (407) 317-3636

SEMINOLE COUNTY                      (407) 321-2918

 

15.        SCHOOL IS SO DIFFERENT FROM WHEN I WENT. IS THERE ANY PLACE I CAN GET HELP WITH CHILD(REN)'S HOMEWORK?

 

Talk with the child(ren)'s classroom teacher. Find out what is expected of the child(ren). Discuss homework and other work the child(ren) must complete. If needed, a volunteer tutor can sometimes be assigned to assist your child(ren). Many schools also have a Homework Hotline. Contact the office at your child(ren)’s school to determine if it has a Homework Hotline.

 

16.   DO I NEED A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD TO ENTER MY

CHILD IN SCHOOL?

 

No! It is mandated that the school ask if you have a Social Security Card for the child. If you have a social security card for the child, the school may want to make a copy of it. However, it is not required to have a social security card for the child to enroll him or her in school.

 

17.   MY CHILD HAS BEEN PLACED IN A SPECIAL PROGRAM. HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PROGRAM?

 

Call the school and set up a conference with the person in the school responsible for that program. It may be the classro