Caretakers sometimes need assistance too
Information provided by the Douglas County Kinship Navigator Program
Are you caring for your grandchild, niece or nephew, cousin or other relative children in your home?
The Douglas County Kinship Navigator Program works to support families who have taken in and are caring for a relative’s child. This collaborative program between Douglas County Department of Human Services and Family Tree connects eligible families with community services and assistance to help address the challenges of caring for a relative’s child.
Services and referrals –
The program provides referrals to community resources that are available to help meet your family’s needs and increase your stability, such as:
Food assistance
Medical, dental and optical referrals
Budgeting assistance
Child’s clothing and bed
Child’s extracurricular activities and school fees
Mental health, substance abuse and family counseling
Other family needs
Job training, education and support
Housing assistance referrals
Family and parent counseling
Custody filing fees
Who can participate?
Program participants must reside in Douglas County and be a relative caretaker of a child who receives “child-only TANF” benefits through the County. Child-only TANF is government cash assistance, sometimes called a “kinship benefit,” available to most residents who are the legal guardian or have custody of a relative’s child. If your relative’s child is not currently receiving TANF benefits, Family Tree can provide you with an application.
How does the program work?
Once your relative’s child is receiving child-only TANF, Family Tree will work to determine your eligibility for additional support services. A case manager will schedule a time to visit with you and the child(ren) in your home. This will give them the opportunity to meet with you personally and see how they can best help.
Where can I find out more about the program?
Additional information about Family Tree is available at http://www.thefamilytree.org/ or by calling 303-463-6330 ext. 749.
