Caregiver

About two and a half years ago, 29-year-old Judith* got a phone call from Maria,* her 9-year-old half-sister in México, to inform her that their mom had just died. Maria’s father had passed away the year before.

A group of child welfare advocates is urging California to level out assistance to relatives caring for children who are removed from their homes. California is the last remaining state that provides no foster care support at all to relatives of children who are not eligible for federal foster care support, according to John Burton Foundation Policy Director Amy Lemley.

For caregivers to provide high quality care to children and youth, they must have timely, accurate information about a range of issues, including relevant information about education and health. While this knowledge is critical, it is often unclear as to what information can be shared with the caregiver and exactly when the caregiver can share information with others who may need it, such as schools or individuals providing respite care.