Home Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP)
Across the United States, more than 6 million children are being raised in households
headed by grandparents and other relatives; 2.5 million children are in these households
without any parents present. As the children's parents struggle with substance abuse, mental
illness, incarceration, economic hardship, divorce, domestic violence, and other challenges,
these caregivers provide a vital safety net to children inside and outside of the foster care
system. This fact sheet provides important information and resources for the grandparents
and other relatives raising children in your state.
http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/general/kinship_care_2005_in.pdf National and State Data*
• Nationally, 4.5 million children are living in grandparent-headed households (6.3% of
all children under age 18). This represents a 30% increase from 1990 to 2000.
• There are another 1.5 million children in the United States who are living in households
headed by other relatives (2.1% of all children under 18).
• In Indiana, there are 81,537 children living in grandparent-headed households (5.2% of all
children in the state). There are another 18,767 children living in households headed by
other relatives (1.2% of all children in the state). Of the children living in households
headed by grandparents or other relatives in Indiana, 39,180 are living there without either
parent present. http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/general/kinship_care_2005_in.pdf National and State Data*
Grant County of Indiana is typically 1% of the state average so that means there are approximately 1000 'Other then Parents' raising children. An exact figure will not be available until the 2010 Census is complete.
• The Family Service Society, Inc. in Marion offers a Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) under a grant from
the Brookdale Foundation. The RAPP brings together more than 17 community partners to offer a range of
resources and services to Grant County grandparents and other relatives raising children, including social
and educational fora. http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/general/kinship_care_2005_in.pdf National and State Data*
NOTE:
The grant from the Brookdale Foundation Grant as expired but due to RAPP's popular demand it now carries on in as volunteer service whose monthly meetings are held at Pioneer Faith Evangelical Church.
Information:
If you are a relative raising a child or a grandparent who is now raising your grandchild then RAPP may be able to help you. RAPP will provide a relaxed, educational forum for information, sharing, and support.
RAPP meets every 3rd Tuesday of each month.
6 PM Dinner
6:30 PM Adults meet with activities for the children.
For location and direction to Pioneer Faith Evangelical Church a map is provided on our "Home" page titled "Find Us"
For more information about the RAPP program contact Lisa Cart at 765-662-9971, ext 110 from 9 AM to
5 PM
