Raising children today while being a loving parent is difficult in itself. It can be even more difficult if you are a grandparent or other relative raising the children of someone else in your family.

Our services are designed to help relatives do the best job they can to keep children connected to their families.

We have support groups designed specifically to provide help, advice, support and lend a listening ear to family members who are raising the children of other relatives: Our Grandparents-as-Parents (G.A.P.) Program and our Relatives-as-Parents (R.A.P.) Program. These support groups address the unique problems and questions, needs and obstacles of this particular kind of non-traditional parenting. We invite you to join us to explore the joys and challenges of raising the children of relatives.

G.A.P. and R.A.P. Support Groups

Support groups provide a place to openly express your feelings, gain a positive focus and share information on community resources and social activities.

In a confidential small-group setting, you and other relative caregivers can offer and receive emotional support and learn from one another. Our Grandparent Caregiver Resource Program (GCRP) sponsors a number of support groups and collaborates with other kinship caregiver support groups in the community.

We also offer assistance and guidance to those interested in starting or maintaining support groups. Support groups provide opportunities for knowledge,
comfort and growth—opportunities to:

• Explore the challenges and rewards of parenting the children of relatives
• Discuss parenting, discipline, communication, stress management and more
• Learn from other families in the same situation
• Become informed on issues such as ADD and ADHD
• Learn about your legal options, consumer credit, and social security
• Examine the challenges facing teenagers
• Receive information about the Resource Library
• Hear guest speakers, usually requested by group members
• Learn about CCEVA-sponsored outings and entertainment
• Discover programs available in the social service system and public schools
• Enjoy a gathering of adults with a common interest

Case Management Services

Case Management is a service designed to identify and coordinate all the other services needed by relatives who raise the children of others in their family.

Case Management begins with an in-home meeting where family needs are assessed and a customized service plan is developed. We will then provide linkage to services you need and stay in contact with you and the service providers,
accompanying you to meetings with schools and agencies, if necessary, and assisting with transportation as needed.

G.A.P. and R.A.P. Support Groups and Case Management Services are free.

Mediation

Mediation services are often needed in situations where there may be a number of “parenting” voices or where legal matters are unresolved.

Mediation is a method of settling disputes outside of a court setting. A neutral third party facilitates the communication between disputing parties. Mediation is an opportunity for both sides to communicate issues and work together to resolve the dispute with a “win-win” solution.

Mediation Services are fee based. Please call for information.

Parenting Plans

Whenever anyone is raising a child other than the birth parents in the family home, issues of custody and other conflicts can arise.

A Parenting Plan is a process for developing roles for everyone involved in raising the child or children. Legal custodians meet in private mediation sessions, working together with a professional mediator to develop a plan with detailed information on custody, visitation, support, decision-making rights and responsibilities, and decisions concerning education, religion and discipline.

Parenting Plan Services are fee based. Please call for information.