More than 5.8 million children live in grandparents’ homes across the U.S. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Louisiana ranks as one of the top five states in the nation for grandparents raising their grandchildren. The Census Bureau reports that more than 67,000 Louisiana grandparents are responsible for meeting the basic needs of their grandchildren, including their health care.
Louisiana DCFS values the commitment of all grandparents who maintain a positive family environment for their loved ones.
DCFS Resources
- Report Child Abuse/Neglect: 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437)
- What is abuse/neglect?
Other State Resources
KCSP
The Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) provides cash assistance for each eligible child who resides with a qualified relative other than a parent.
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits that help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for good health.
FITAP
The Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) provides cash assistance to families with children when the financial resources of the family are insufficient to meet subsistence needs.
Governor’s Office for Elderly Affairs
The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs (GOEA) acts as the state’s visible advocate and focal point for all matters pertaining to the aging population.
Healthy Louisiana
Medicaid expansion has made Medicaid available to more than 400,000 people in Louisiana who previously did not qualify for full Medicaid coverage and could not afford to purchase private health insurance
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center
Dedicated to offering information and support to grandparents and other kinship caregivers and their families.
In monthly discussion sessions, grandparents and caregivers alike can share their experiences and advice.
Additional Resources
- AARP – GrandFacts for Louisiana. AARP has compiled informative listings of data, benefits, and service providers for each state.
- AARP – GrandFamilies Guide – The Guide for GrandFamilies can help you find your way to the services and support you need to take care of yourself and your family.
- American Grandparents Association
- GrandFamilies.org – A national legal resource in support of grandfamilies within and outside the child welfare system
- Legal Help – Louisiana State Bar Association
- Louisiana Food Bank Association
- Prevent Child Abuse – Since 1986, Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Louisiana has been dedicated to accomplishing our mission of preventing the abuse and neglect of our state’s children.
- Safe Sleep for Your Grandbaby – Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths.
- Social Security Benefits for Grandchildren – Under the right conditions, grandchildren (or step-grandchildren) can receive a benefit based on the work history of a grandparent.