Kids Above All’s Post

#KinshipCareWeek2023 celebrates the wonderful work of families caring for families in Victoria, helping them connect with each other and carer support groups in their communities. Kinship Carers are important people in the lives of children and young people and ensure ongoing connections to family, culture and community, and a sense of belonging when they are unable to live with their parents. Some key facts about Kinship Carers:* 🔺 Kinship care is when a child who can’t live with their parents is placed in a relative or family friend’s home. 🔺 Kinship care is the fastest-growing form of out-of-home care in Victoria. Between 2017 and 2021, the number of children in kinship care grew by 33 per cent. 🔺 Over 70% of all children in OOHC live with a kinship carer. 🔺 At the end of 2020 there were an estimated 4700 kinship caregivers caring for 7450 children in Victoria. 🔺 Kinship carers are typically female (94%), in their mid-50s (avg 54), are grandparents or great-grandparents (59%), and live on lower incomes (40% <$40,000 household income). 🔺 96% of kinship carers are on the lowest level of carer allowance, compared to 32% of foster carers. *Source VAGO Kinship Care, June 2022. Watch now. https://lnkd.in/gyks69UX

I feel compelled to share this experience / idea with those of you who live in Utah (or another state that does not compensate caregivers), care for a loved one with special needs / disabilities, and who are struggling to make ends meet: I met with a wonderful lady who lived in Utah her whole life. However, once certain subsidies ran out for her child with special needs, her income dropped and it became very hard to make ends meet. So, she made the decision to move a couple hours North, just over the border to Idaho. Why Idaho? Idaho has a Certified Family Home program that compensates parent caregivers for taking care of your own child. For this lady and her daughter, that income made all the difference in helping make ends meet--for a "job" she was already doing for free. I share this in case anyone is in a similar situation. This may very well be something to consider (Colorado, Arizona, California, Washington, Oregon, and other generally "blue" states around Utah have similar programs). It obviously is not a decision that should be made lightly, and necessitates considerable planning--but it's an option. #specialneeds #disability #caregiver

This food for thought is part of an essay I wrote about accountability: "The only language people in positions of power seem to understand is the language of lawsuits and bad publicity. This infuriates us (as it should), and we respond by refusing to adhere to any of the basic rules of civility we learned in kindergarten: we call for heads to roll before we’ve learned the facts, don’t look at all sides of the issue, disparage people we’ve never met, and shout for entire groups to be cancelled off the face of the earth. Seeking to avoid this, agencies begin to bob and weave to avoid responsibility, knowing full well that if they expose weakness they will be crucified. This fans the flames of our fury, so we grab our pitchforks and call them more names, list more people to fire, and use stronger words to convey our outrage. This makes us feel better, but agencies become more defensive as a means of weathering the blows. We’ve run ten-thousand miles on the hamster wheel of blame and can’t figure out why nothing ever changes. As hard as it is to accept, we play a part in this dysfunctional relationship." #childwelfare #childprotection #dcf #childprotectiveservices   https://lnkd.in/dGvyg3aE

Today, we at the Martin James Foundation join hands in celebrating World Children's Day, a day universally marked by thousands to recommit to a vision that resonates deeply with every one of us: for every child, for every right. From Key Assets in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Japan to EPIC in the UK and many countries through MJF Global, we stand committed to honouring the Convention on the Rights of the Child, striving for a future where every child's right to a nurturing family life is acknowledged and fully realised. We reflect on these profound words from the Convention: "The child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding." Central to our vision and these rights is the belief that every child deserves to be part of a safe and loving family. It's a core principle that underpins much of what we advocate for. It is our mission and honour to work tirelessly towards a world where this right is not just a privilege but a reality for every child. Together, let's reaffirm our commitment to these ideals on World Children's Day and every day. #WorldChildrensDay #ChildrensRights #ChildAdvocacy #FamilyMatters #EveryChildMatters #ChildWelfare #MartinJamesFoundation #familybasedfutures #wearemjf #WeAreKeyAssets #KeyAssets #fostercare #foster #fostercarers #fosterfamily #fostercareawareness

Community strength is our superpower! 🦸♀️🦸♂️ Join us in building a brighter future for our children by nurturing their minds and souls. Discover the power of community involvement in early childhood development. Together, we can make a world of difference. Every child deserves a champion. Be that champion by getting involved in your local community. Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below on how to support our youngest generation. 🌟👶 #CommunityHeroes #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #TogetherWeCan #ChildrensFutures #CommunityInvolvement #ChildAdvocacy #LocalHeroes #SupportingFamilies #YoungMindsMatter #CommunityImpact"

As we observe the evolving landscape of kinship care in the United States, I am proud to share how the Maryland Department of Human Services is at the forefront of this crucial reform. Recent changes across various states, including Michigan's pioneering new licensing requirements for kin caregivers, reflect a national shift towards removing barriers that previously prevented family members from providing care. This follows a welcome federal rule change by the Biden administration. In Maryland, we've been proactive in adapting our policies to better support kinship care. We have successfully scaled back certain training and background check requirements, recognizing that while safety and preparedness are paramount, flexibility is essential. These changes help ensure that children can stay within their families without unnecessary delays or hindrances, which is often in their best interest. Our approach considers the complexities of each family situation, aiming to balance rigorous safety standards with the profound need for children to remain with family whenever possible. This is just one of the reasons why I love working at the Maryland Department of Human Services—our commitment to meaningful reform and our dedication to the well-being of every child and family we serve. Let’s continue to advocate for systems that recognize the unique needs of kinship caregivers and the children in their care. #KinshipCare #FamilyFirst #ChildWelfareReform #MDHumanServices https://lnkd.in/enbFQcfg

Living with Adult Children: Consider These 7 Things Before You Move In! In today's rapidly changing world, the dynamics of multigenerational households are evolving, many parents are finding themselves contemplating a new living arrangement. Moving in with your adult children might seem like a daunting decision, but it can also bring a host of benefits and opportunities for intergenerational connections. Here are some questions to think about and ask before you make the leap: 1. Will you have a separate living area? Or will you be in one room and share a bathroom? Sharing a bathroom can be inconvenient, especially if you value your privacy. 2. Will you be expected to contribute to the rent/mortgage or to the cost of food?  If so, what is expected? Understanding your financial responsibilities is crucial for a smooth transition. 3. Do you even want to live in that city if you are leaving your local area? Consider factors such as proximity to family and friends, job opportunities, and personal preferences. 4. If your new home has animals, will you be expected to take care of them? 5. Will you be expected to care for your grandchildren if both adult children work? What are the hours? 6. Will you be expected to drive children to outside activities? 7. How well do you like or love your daughter or son in law? Consider whether you get along well, share similar values, and have a good connection. Of course it's best to sit down with your adult children and have a heart to heart conversation about expectations, boundaries, ask “what if” questions and more. If there are younger children, get them in on the conversation too and ask them their thoughts, feelings and any concerns they might have. Finding the right balance between togetherness and autonomy is crucial for everyone's well-being. Embracing this new chapter can be a wonderful opportunity for both generations to strengthen their bond while sharing the joys and challenges of daily life. It's a chance to create lasting memories, provide support, and foster a deeper sense of family unity. #MultigenerationalLiving #FamilyConnections #FamilyUnity #NewChapter #seniors #EmptyNester #SeniorDownsizing #familycaregiving #seniorcare #movemanager #over65  #SeniorLiving #NoblesvilleIndiana #fishersindiana #CarmelIndiana #indianapolisindiana #seniormovemanager

Living with Adult Children: Consider These 7 Things Before You Move In! In today's rapidly changing world, the dynamics of multigenerational households are evolving, many parents are finding themselves contemplating a new living arrangement. Moving in with your adult children might seem like a daunting decision, but it can also bring a host of benefits and opportunities for intergenerational connections. Here are some questions to think about and ask before you make the leap: 1. Will you have a separate living area? Or will you be in one room and share a bathroom? Sharing a bathroom can be inconvenient, especially if you value your privacy. 2. Will you be expected to contribute to the rent/mortgage or to the cost of food?  If so, what is expected? Understanding your financial responsibilities is crucial for a smooth transition. 3. Do you even want to live in that city if you are leaving your local area? Consider factors such as proximity to family and friends, job opportunities, and personal preferences. 4. If your new home has animals, will you be expected to take care of them? 5. Will you be expected to care for your grandchildren if both adult children work? What are the hours? 6. Will you be expected to drive children to outside activities? 7. How well do you like or love your daughter or son in law? Consider whether you get along well, share similar values, and have a good connection. Of course it's best to sit down with your adult children and have a heart to heart conversation about expectations, boundaries, ask “what if” questions and more. If there are younger children, get them in on the conversation too and ask them their thoughts, feelings and any concerns they might have. Finding the right balance between togetherness and autonomy is crucial for everyone's well-being. Embracing this new chapter can be a wonderful opportunity for both generations to strengthen their bond while sharing the joys and challenges of daily life. It's a chance to create lasting memories, provide support, and foster a deeper sense of family unity. #MultigenerationalLiving #FamilyConnections #FamilyUnity #NewChapter #seniors #EmptyNester #SeniorDownsizing #familycaregiving #seniorcare #movemanager #over65  #SeniorLiving #NoblesvilleIndiana #fishersindiana #CarmelIndiana #indianapolisindiana #seniormovemanager

Discover Why Grandfamilies Are More Than Just Apples and Oranges Are grandfamilies really like comparing apples and oranges? While both involve caring for children, the unique challenges faced by grandfamilies—relatives like grandparents stepping in to raise children in need—are often overlooked. In our blog post entitled, "Understanding the Unique Needs of Grandfamilies: More Than Just Apples and Oranges," we delve into why grandfamilies require specialized support that differs significantly from traditional foster care or adoption. From navigating complex legal issues to managing financial strains and emotional complexities, grandfamilies play a vital role in providing stability within extended family networks. Join us as we explore the distinct dynamics and challenges of grandfamilies and learn how you can support these caregivers in creating nurturing environments for children. Visit our website to read the full article and discover why understanding these unique family structures is essential in providing effective support. Together, let’s ensure that grandfamilies receive the recognition and resources they need to thrive! ©2024 Dr. Glenda Clare #Grandfamilies #KinshipCare #SupportCaregivers #SocialServices #LinkedInPost A link to the blogpost is in the comments section.

September is #NationalKinshipCareMonth. DePelchin is proud to work with #kinship caregivers — relatives or close family friends who step forward to provide safe, loving homes for children who need them. You can learn more about DePelchin's work with kinship families in our recent blog post: https://lnkd.in/g2uYgpVA