Family Resource Network
Eastern Panhandle
RAPP
Relatives As
Parents Program
In West Virginia, about 35, 000 children are being raised by a grandparent or other relative. Are you parenting one of these children, or do you know someone who is? Join out Support Group!
The RAPP Support Group meets at 6pm on the 3rd Friday of each month at the Boys and Girls Club in Martinsburg. The Club is located at 105 West John Street at the corner of West John and Queen Streets. For more information call 304-754-3802.
If you would like more information or need assistance, please contact one of these trained facilitators:
Berkeley/Jefferson County Facilitator
Annie Otto: 304-754-3802
Morgan County Facilitators
Sharon Davis: 304-258-1256
Brenda Johnson: 304-754-6842
RAPP Group Gets Respite Grant- for more information click here.
Raising a child can bring laughter, love, youthfulness and satisfaction into your life. In return, you can give the child the benefits of your years of experience, family stability and connection with tradition.
However, the challenges of being a "relative parent" can also turn your life upside down. You may feel tired or overwhelmed by financial obligations, behavioral problems and legal concerns. You may face problems dealing with the child's parent, especially if the parent is involved with drugs or alcohol. Or, you may face problems with the school system, or getting other services your child needs.
Some of the common questions that relatives raising children have are:
- What do custody, adoption, guardianship and foster care mean?
- What are the differences between having formal custody and keeping the children informally?
- If I have to go to court, how do I prepare?
- Do I need a lawyer?
- Can I get assistance from Legal Aid?
- Where can I get child care without paying a lot?
- Can I get Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance (SCHIP)?
- How should I make the children mind me?
- Can I get food stamps?
- How do I prepare good meals the children will eat?
- How do I enroll the children in school?
- What school services are available for my special-needs child?
- How can I communicate better with the children's parents?
- How can I deal with substance abuse in my family?
- How do I stay healthy, both physically and mentally?
- How can I deal with emotional issues like anger, grief, or resentment?
- How can I find time to be with my friends?
- Is there any group or organization that can help me?
Fostering Connections Resource Center
Child Welfare League of America
GrandFamilies of America