Grandparent/Kinship Care Program (GKP)

The Grandparent/Kinship Care Program addresses the needs of grandparent/relative caregivers of Cuyahoga County children through education and information, short-term service coordination, and linkage to county and community services. For information and assistance, contact GKP Intake at info@ohiograndparentkinship.org
P.O. Box 14734, Columbus, Ohio 43214

Services

  • Advocacy: GKP staff coordinate advocacy efforts on behalf of relative caregivers at both state and national levels. They inform legislators about the needs of relative caregivers, and advocate for additional financial support and services.

  • Community Navigators provide short-term service coordination for caregivers in need. Navigators link caregivers to community services, arrange for emergency assistance and troubleshoot caregiver-related issues.

  • Financial Assistance. Navigators provide information and assistance to caregiver families who qualify for financial entitlements through the Ohio Works First Child-Only Cash Grant, and/or the Ohio Kinship Permanency Incentive Program.

  • Legal Assistance is available on either an individual basis, or in a group setting at a legal workshop. Topics covered include guardianship, custody, adoption, foster parenting and related supportive services. Issues surrounding divorce, separation, wills, housing, title transfers and bankruptcy are addressed on a one-to-one basis during individual counseling sessions

  • Caregiver Education Luncheons for adults raising relative children are held, monthly, at the Department of Senior & Adult Services, 1701 E 12 Street, Reserve Square, These luncheons inform relative caregivers of valuable resources, programs, and opportunities available to them, as well as to the children in their care. Topics include how to deal with special needs children, counseling opportunities, budgeting, how to cope with stress in blended families, and more. Luncheons also provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, while enjoying a meal among friends.

  • Respite. Respite provides relative caregivers with a break, enabling them to attend to their own health and well-being. Relative caregivers may register for up to 8 hours of respite per week for a maximum of 64 hours per calendar year. Respite is provided by skilled adult professionals from licensed social service agencies