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Grandfamilies or kinship families are raising 2.5 million children, and a fourth of all children in foster care. Grandparents, other extended family members and close family friends step forward, often at a moment’s notice, to raise these children. Research shows that the children fare well. They have more stability, less trauma, and a greater sense of stability than children raised by non-relatives. Although there are many benefits, acknowledged through federal law and its preferences for relative placements and connections, there are still many challenges. Relatives are often not told of their placement and legal options, and the benefits and services that can correspond with those options. They also may have trouble accessing school enrollment and health care for the children. This webinar will address the strengths and challenges of grandfamilies both inside and outside the foster care system. We will explore relevant federal laws, state care and custody options, and benefits and services. Attendees will come away with practical tools and resources to better serve grandfamilies.

Presenters: Ana Beltran, Special Advisor and Attorney, Generations United. Moderated by Jerry Battle, Staff Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center

Additional sponsorship for this Webinar is provided by a grant from the Administration on Aging/Administration for Community Living. This webinar is part of a series of National Elder Rights Training Project webinars for the National Legal Resource Center.

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