Relative Caregiver Program
Project Description:
FY24: $750,000
FY25: $750,000
Last updated by ZD per CG edits 9/11/17 -
The Shelby County Relative Caregiver Program is a comprehensive public/private collaboration designed to support children whose parents are not able to raise them, and are being cared for by grandmother, aunt, uncle, or other extended family members. Program staff respect what is unique and special within each family, provide accurate, easy-to-follow information about existing resources available to families, and fill in gaps where services are not available. Particular attention is paid to the health of older family members caring for children.
Website description from 2/11/20 -
Children and relative caregivers enrolled in the state program can receive supportive services such as information and referral, access to support groups, respite care, and family advocacy assistance. DCS does not have oversight and the caregiver family does not receive a monthly stipend through the program.
The Relative Caregiver Program can be helpful in cases where:
Children are abandoned
Both parents have died
A parent is incarcerated
A child is being abused or neglected at home
DCS contracts with private community-based agencies to provide services in each of the 12 regions. Contact Information by region is below.
Keyword(s):
extended family, children at risk for developmental disabilities
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Child Care-Related Activities, Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Urban
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County, State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
