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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

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Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren, or are you an aunt, uncle, or other relative left in charge of a minor child by his or her parent?

  • In Illinois, over 100,000 children are being raised in grandparent-headed homes. One-fifth of those individuals live in Suburban Cook County. The majority or grandparents are single women. Most have cared for children 5 years or longer and are raising 1-2 children.
  • Many grandparents or relative caregivers are overwhelmed with the situations they face. You are not alone. It’s important to ask for help.
  • Recognizing the increasing need for services to grandparents who are raising grandchildren, assistance to grandparents who are raising grandchildren is available. 
  • Catholic Charities Northwest Senior Services assists in coordinating supportive services to grandparents or other non-parent relatives who are the primary caregivers of a relative (by blood, marriage) who is not more than 18.

Catholic Charities’ Activities: 

  • Reaching out through schools, faith-based organizations, and other organizations about what assistance is available.
  • Educational sessions to individuals or groups that address issues affecting grandparents and other non-parent relatives.
  • Case management to inform and connect grandparents and other relatives raising grandchildren with available resources. In-home assessments are available.

Benefits and/or services:

  • Title III-E services available through the Legal Assistance Foundation
  • Child Only Grant
  • Illinois Free Lunch Program
  • Social Security – Disability and/or survivor benefits
  • Support Groups (as available)
  • KidCare insurance
  • Food Stamps/Public Assistance
  • School Fee Waivers
  • Gap Filler Service
  • Child Daycare

For more information please contact Sheryl Madden-Pitter, MSW at Catholic Charities NW Senior Services at (847)-253-5500 ext 384. Catholic Charities NW Senior Services is funded by Age Options; IL Dept. on Aging; United Way; Individual Donations; and Barrington, Palatine, and Wheeling Townships.