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When a parent dies or is not able to care for their child safely, relatives or family friends often step in to raise the child. This is kinship care. It can be temporary or permanent. It can be an informal arrangement with the parents or result from involvement with the child welfare system.
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Kinship caregivers are grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, non-blood relatives such as step-grandparents or family friends who are raising children when their parents cannot. Nearly 3 million children in the United States live in kinship care.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I qualify?You qualify if you are a kinship caregiver living in Charleston, Berkeley or Dorchester County. Kinship caregivers are grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, non-blood relatives such as step-grandparents or family friends who are raising children when their parents cannot. HALOS provides assistance to kinship families. Biological parents or foster parents who are not kinship caregivers do not qualify for services from HALOS.
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What services do you offer?HALOS is a one-stop shop for information, referrals and other services for kinship caregivers. Our services are individually tailored to help each family succeed in caring for their children. The program includes: Assessment of your family’s unique needs and referrals for services to community partner agencies. We may help you access financial assistance, medical/mental health services, legal services, or items for the children. Assistance in navigating complex systems like Medicare, DSS, TANF, etc. Evaluation of whether your family is eligible for any financial assistance through benefit programs and help in filling out the application(s). Support groups for caregivers to connect to and network with others in the same situation. Educational programs on caring for children who have experienced trauma. Legal clinics to provide free information on custody issues. A voluntary Success Coach Program to receive 6-12 months of family coaching support. Summer camp scholarships, school supplies, holiday gifts, and safety items like beds, cribs and car seats.
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How do I get in touch with someone right now?Call us at 843-990-9570.
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Do you offer financial assistance?The first step in our program is to assess your family’s needs, including financial needs, to link you to resources in the community. If needed, HALOS may be able to help you find rent and utility assistance. In addition, HALOS can help you apply for financial assistance under the Child-Only option for TANF. It works like this: The child can be considered a family of one within your home. Since that child has little or no income, they may be eligible for TANF money. You will have to show how the child is related to you, using verification like a birth certificate, paternity statement, school records, marriage or divorce papers, insurance records, census records or court action that includes relationship information.
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How do I refer a kinship caregiver from Charleston, Berkeley or Dorchester County to HALOS?Click here to complete the online submission form.
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Child welfare (DSS) is involved in my family’s case. Where can I get more information?You may find the information linked here helpful. But you are not alone. HALOS is here to help. HALOS can assist you in accessing the services mentioned in the links. Call 843-990-9570 for free and confidential support.
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Child welfare (DSS) is NOT involved in my family’s case. Where can I get more information?You may find the information linked here helpful. But you are not alone. HALOS is here to help. HALOS can assist you in accessing the services mentioned in the links. Call 843-990-9570 for free and confidential support.
Resources
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