Posted on Sep-18-08 at 11:11 AM (Eastern) by 98.224.160.65
I think that it is Lisa that is so knowledgeable about finding help in this area.
Short but long story
My sons bus driver "took in" his 1 1/2 yr old grandson in June. His mother is a full time nursing student who doesn't make the best choices. When the baby was much younger, and she lived with the father, their home was drug raided. He is now on probation, but living with another gal whose one child passed away and the other 2 were taken from her. He is basically useless. The mother rarely visits her son, doesn't call to check on him, and on those rare occasions when she does visit, she basically ignores him. Grandma takes total care of him, along with her ex (who lives with her, but that would make this story even longer) Grandma has already called in 2X's this year due to noone to watch this precious little guy. We became friendly last year, and even more-so over the summer due to common "farming" interests. I offered to watch Tashawn for her today and for at least a week, until she finds something more permanent, however, she is getting zero assistance from mom or ex. She was told to file for foster care then she would at least get something. Her daughter (the mom) was approved for WIC, but misses the appointments, so even that doesn't help her. She really can't afford daycare, much less the hours she needs it (5:45 am-10 am, then 1 pm-5pm)
I do not know what to charge her for the 7 days I will probably watch him, don't want to get to outrageous here. And that isn't even the point here. What kind of assistance can she get? I have heard of some groups that will help for grandparents raising grandchildren, but don't even know where to begin looking. I told her I would research, but I know there are so many people on this board who have more knowledge that I even have in my little finger, so HELP!!!
TIA
Leslie
Edited to add: We live in St. Clair County Michigan......I guess that would help. Thanks!!
1|1|Leslie, some information inside for your friend.|Ranalt|ainebailey@gmail.com|13:42:16|09/18/2008|
Not too many links, but there is a lot of information in the links below.
W.I.C.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/
Michigan W.I.C. phone number
Michigan 1-800-942-1636
Perhaps your friend can call and see if she can take her grandchild to the W.I.C. appointments.
Michigan Department of Human Services
http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5453---,00.html
you will have to copy and paste this one for some reason.
Help for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
http://www.aarp.org/families/grandparents/raising_grandchild/a2004-01-16-findinghelp.html
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Grandparents.shtml
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 2
http://www.raisingyourgrandchildren.com/
I hope your friend can find the help she needs.
Good luck.
Feel free to email me or post if you have more questions.
Life is like a cup of tea,
It's all in how you make it.
Lisa