Relatives Parenting Children Program
The Relatives Parenting Children Program offers a series of eight two-hour group sessions designed to help grandparents and other relatives who are raising children with the challenges of parenting and building fulfilling, nurturing family relationships.
Who is eligible for services?
Any relative caregiver who is raising children can receive services. Nearly 10% of children in Delaware are living in households headed by relatives other than their parents. This may be due to divorce, incarceration, abandonment, death, substance abuse or HIV/AIDS. Kinship parented families face multiple challenges, including coping with mixed emotions as well as legal and financial issues.
Where are services provided?
Day and evening groups are offered at Children & Families First offices in Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown. Groups are also held at other community locations in Kent and Sussex Counties.
What information is provided?
Topics covered in the group sessions include:
- Promoting caregiver’s physical and emotional well-being
- Refining parenting skills
- Building relationships
- Legal and guardianship issues
- Financial issues and benefits
- Respite care/Time off
- Medical issues
- Working with schools
- Behavioral and mental health issues
- Counseling
- Information about forming support groups led by group members
What happens in the groups?
Participants have the opportunity to receive information during the eight-week sessions as well as share ideas and suggestions. All groups are led by professional facilitators. Free childcare can be arranged by request and is provided by trained paraprofessionals and volunteers. Parenting certificates are awarded after completion of workshop sessions.
What is the cost?
Services are free due to funding from the United Way of Delaware and the Delaware State Legislature.
