WILLIAMS TO CO-HOST JUNE 7 KINSHIP CARE DISCUSSION. - States News Service

PHILADELPHIA -- The following information was released by the Pennsylvania State Senate, Democratic Caucus:

In order to discuss the unique and growing needs of second-time parents and their families, state Sen. Anthony H. Williams, along with Turning Points for Children, Grands As Parents, and the Kinship Care Committee, welcome the public to attend a free kinship care conversation on the issues facing this special group of caregivers.

This program is open to all intergenerational caregivers and their supporters and will take place on Thursday, June 7 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Miracle Temple of Christ Church, 26th and Tasker streets in Philadelphia.

'The decision to raise a grandchild or a young relative is a noble commitment, and we want to make sure that these families are receiving the services and support they need,' Williams said. 'This discussion will provide an opportunity for resources and programs that are available to families.'

Joy Woods Jones of Temple University and Grandma's Kids, PA health Law Project Special Projects Director Ann Bacharach, and representatives from the Department of Public Welfare, Community of Behavioral Health, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, and Vare Recreation Center will lead the discussion on topics like programs that are available to help with children who are out of control and need help; how to access Medical Assistance; and activities still available for children and youth this summer.

Light refreshments and resources tables will be provided.

This session is the latest in a series of panel discussions to be held throughout the city as an outgrowth of our successful Helping Hands Intergenerational Resource and Information Conference in May 2011.

The number of children being raised by a grandparent or other relative is rising. One child in 10 in the United States lives with a grandparent. For four out of 10 of those children, that grandparent is the primary caregiver.

Williams is a vocal advocate for kinship caregivers. His Senate Bill 119, the Intergenerational Family Care Act, would help families in which children are being raised by their grandparents or other generation-skipping older relatives. If enacted, it would address critical needs identified at the conference, such as rental assistance, day-care assistance for working heads of households and development and improvement of intergenerational housing.

For more information, call 215-492-2980.