Grandparents, you are not alone!
Are you a grandparent who is...
concerned about the safety and well-being of your grandchild but you don’t know how to help, where to go, or what to do?
struggling with finances, child care/school issues, or concerned for your own and your grandchild’s mental health?
raising your grandchild and you sometimes feel alone, ashamed, guilty, confused, overwhelmed and in need of support?
Court
Court
To obtain custody of your grandchild, go to the Probate Court where the child lives and request temporary guardianship. In order to get guardianship of the child his or her parent(s) must consent, must be found to be unfit or must be unavailable. The Clerk’s office will have the paperwork necessary to get you started. You should bring the child’s birth certificate with you if you have it.
Temporary guardianship means temporary. The biological parents have a right to be heard and contest your request. The court will set a date for a hearing.
If the Probate Court awards you permanent custody of your grandchild, know that permanent does not mean permanent.
The biological parent may petition the Court in the future for custody of
the child to return him/her.
If you do not have the child’s birth certificate when you apply for custody, the court may allow you to file it in the future.
Finances
Finances
If you are supporting and raising a grandchild, you may be entitled to Kinship Care funding. In Rock County, contact the Rock County Human Services Department at 608-757-5245.
If your grandchild is under FIVE years old, he/she is eligible for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) which helps with milk, cheese, etc. Call 1-800-WIC-1007 for more information.
If either biological parent is deceased, the child may be eligible for survivor benefits through Social Security. If your grandchild has a medical or mental health disability, they may qualify as well.
To find out if there are other financial/medical benefits you/they may be eligible for, visit the www.benefits.gov website.
Support
Support
You may feel like you are the only grandparent raising your grandchild, but you are not! Find a local support group for grandparents go to: http://fyi.uwex.edu/grandparenting/ wisconsin-resources/ for listings and more resources and information.
Maintain good communication with schools, therapists, the court, etc. Good communication benefits you and your grandchild.
Try to find a child therapist who specializes in child trauma. For younger children, consider play therapy.
If they are struggling at school, you should ask the school for a TEAM evaluation. Your grandchild may qualify for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Make your request in writing!
For more information, contact the Rock County Council on Aging
Family Caregiver Support Specialist at 608-758-8455.
