Adopting Grandchildren

I'm sorry I don't have any specific advice for you, I just wanted to let you know what a great thing you are doing! My sister and I were adopted and raised by our dad's parents, and it was the best way we could have lived. They are the most wonderful people in the world and did such a good job raising us. I'm so happy to hear you are preparing to do the same and being such wonderful parents to your grandchildren. You truly are GRANDparents, thank you!!

I adopted my foster child. There was a grandparent couple in my class. I believe that you will go thru the same process as any prospective adoptive parents.

Whether or not they offer child care depends on the office thru which you're going. Are you currently approved as foster parents? If you're already receiving assistance you will continue to receive assistance. If the children have not been placed with you by the state as foster children I doubt that you will receive assistance. The reason that foster parents receive assistance is that the child(ren) are wards of the state making the state responsible for their welfare. Once the adoption is final you will not receive state assistance.

If you haven't already been assigned an adoption worker you will be soon. That is the best person to answer your questions. Each state may have different rules. If you want to ask questions before you're assigned a worker, call the intake person.

I've seen support groups for grandparents adopting grandchildren. The agency that you are working with may have one. You can also look for info on the Internet and in local neighborhood style newspapers/magazines. You can find them for free at super markets and the library.

I was a case manager for the child protective services in my state and had many grandparents take custody and/or adopt grandchildren. Some things may vary by state or by specific circumstances (ask you adoption case manager). In NJ there was not childcare for the adoption/foster care classes. If the state placed a child with relatives there was a small monthly payment for each child. It was a little more for foster parents (including relatives who took the foster/adoptive training). With some adoptions the payments continued (typically older, special needs or other children considered hard to place) and sometimes not. Your best resource is the case manager who knows your case (or sometimes a more experienced supervisor).

Either way, adopting or just getting legal custody.....the person on SS will get up to 50% extra of his benefit for taking care of the children. Make sure to call SS up right after you get it all finished. You will need their birth certificates and paperwork for adopting. good luck!!