WV Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP)
Resource Details
Relative or kinship caregiving is the full-time nurturing and protection of another family member’s child (or someone with close family ties). While many caregivers are grandparents, others such as aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, godparents, church family members, those who the child considers family, etc. also share their homes with children who are temporarily or permanently separated from their parents. The legal, financial, emotional and physical challenges for all family members can be overwhelming. For caregivers, managing daily activities while dealing with social services, legal, education and other systems, can be frustrating and stressful to say the least.
The WV Relatives as Parents Program (WV RAPP) is sponsored by Mission West Virginia, the WV Bureau of Senior Services and the Brookdale Foundation. WV RAPP provides information and nonfinancial assistance such as:
Phone support providing information, advocacy and a “listening ear” to relative caregivers or those considering relative caregiving
Facebook support group for relative caregivers or those considering providing relative care
Training for relative caregivers and professionals
Educational resource development
Community networking, organization and advocacy