Emergency Assistance
The majority of kinship families face financial hardships and are either low-income or living below the poverty line. The majority of kinship families are headed by a single grandmother, often on a fixed income. Most kinship children are not in the formal foster system, and therefore their families are not eligible for the same financial benefits and other services as foster families. Kinship caregivers generally experience more economic hardship than the general parent population.Often children in kinship care come to their relatives with little to know clothing or belongings. Caregivers can be overwhelmed by the financial demands of purchasing beds, clothes, shoes, school supplies, etc. for two or three children. Caregivers are often hard pressed to meet both the children and their own needs. It's not uncommon to hear of caregivers scrimping on their medications in order to be able to meet the costs of caring for the children.
Traditionally kinship programs have tried to assist caregivers with emergency financial assistance in order to stabilize the family. This is particularly true in the beginning of the placement when financial demands are at their highest. The Rose House Kinship Association offers caregiver trainings on financial literacy throughout San Diego County, and works to strengthen family self-efficiency. The Rose House partners with members of the community to receive donated items for the families. However, during times of economic crisis, the Rose House provides families with emergency financial assistance, such as in purchasing a car seat, a child's bed or providing a gift card to a grocery store. The program also provides special assistance during particularly demanding times of the year like, "back to school" and the winter holidays. The ability of the program to provide this type of support and assistance enhances the security of the kinship families.