Division of Aging Services
Teresa was using drugs and was in and out of jail. As a result, her one year-old son lived with her in drug-infested apartments and was left with strangers when he became an inconvenience to his mother. Teresa's own mother had passed away and the child's father was in prison. When Teresa's aunt, Gloria, heard the rumors about her niece's illegal behavior, she called friends and relatives until she located Teresa and her child. Gloria agreed to take the child to help Teresa "get back on her feet." Six years later, and with only five visits between Teresa and her child, Gloria accepted that Teresa's lifestyle was not going to change. One of the Grandparent/Relative Caregiver Project's volunteer attorneys helped Gloria adopt the child, and another attorney completed a will for Gloria to state who would care for the child if Teresa passed away.
Ms. F’s daughter gave birth to her granddaughter while incarcerated. At first, Ms. F did not receive any assistance and was not sure of her options. By chance, Ms. F came across a newspaper article about the Area Agency on Aging Grandparents Raising Grandchildren legal/financial workshop, which is when Ms. F. contacted the Area Agency on Aging Kinship Care Specialists. Ms. F. learned about resources such as TANF and adoption assistance. Ms. S. received legal assistance to adopt her granddaughter through the Georgia Legal Services Kinship Care Project. The Kinship Care Specialist also referred the Ms. F to the county DFCS office where the she was able to receive TANF benefits for her infant granddaughter.
A 70 year old grandmother contacted the Area Agency on Aging for assistance with her 6 grandchildren. Her grandchildren range from ages eight to twenty; one of her six grandchildren has a disability. The Information and Referral Specialist from the Area Agency on Aging contacted the county DFCS office to inquire about TANF benefits for the grandmother. The Information and Referral Specialist and the DFCS TANF Specialist worked diligently together in educating the grandparent during the TANF application process. The grandmother applied and received TANF for her grandchildren, plus the $50 subsidy per grandchild. The grandmother also applied and received CRISP to pay for a sofa bed and new mattress for her grandchildren. Due to the grandparent’s poor health, the Information and Referral Specialist also assisted the grandparent in navigating the Social Security system for Medicaid benefits. With help of the Social Security Specialists who provided detailed information on the application for SSI, the grandparent is currently receiving Medicaid as well.
A 62 year old grandmother who is raising two grandchildren ages 15 and 16, contacted the Area Agency on Aging Information and Referral Specialist requesting financial assistance. The Information and Referral Specialists contacted the county DFCS office and assisted the grandparent receive TANF enhanced services and CRISP, which assisted with purchasing two beds for her grandchildren. Due to this referral, the grandmother also applied for food stamps.