OUR SERVICES

Information and Referral:

• How do I get help for a child's school problems?
• Where do I go for a medical checkup when I have no insurance?
• How do I find a lawyer?
• How do I arrange for children to visit their birth parent or other relative in jail?
• What if the authorities come to take away the children - what can I do?
• Where can I get help for my disabled grandson?

KARE workers are cross-trained to be able to lead you to the resources you need. Many resources may be right here in the Center, as you'll see below. Workers will make sure you have the information you need to contact resources outside the center.

If your question relates to the care of children or your own welfare or wellbeing as a caregiver, KARE staff will help find the answer. We have classes on topics of interest, a newsletter, a calendar about our activities, and a computer for you to use.

Case Management: Are you a person who needs a number of different services or support for your family right now? KARE staff members visit in your home and help you and other family members identify your most important needs. Then they will make a plan with you, assist you in finding necessary services and help you make sure you get what you need. Typical services KARE case managers may arrange include:

• Help filling out guardianship papers
• Referrals to counseling for you, a family member or the whole family
• Filling out of forms to receive financial help ("TANF", AHCCCS, Kidscare, etc.)
• Help finding needed furniture, clothing, shoes, diapers, etc.
• Assist in identifying community resources
• Help you make a plan with your CPS case manager
• Advocacy with the schools, DES, Child Support and other large systems
• Information about filing for adoption

The KARE Center has a trained caseworker assisting families with an incarcerated family member. Help is given with individual and group support, navigation of prison systems nd planning for return of ex-incarcerated to the community.

Mental/Behavioral Health: Do you or a family member feel stressed, angry, anxious or sad about events that have happened, or are happening right now, for which you have no answer? A KARE therapist can set up regular times to meet with you, a family member, or the whole family to work with you on finding ways to help you cope with your situation. The KARE therapist can also refer you to support groups, psychiatric evaluations, classes that teach you new techniques for being a good parent, recreation for you and your family, and other counseling services in the community. You may receive our mental health services whether or not you or any family member has AHCCCS (Title 19) or other health insurance coverage.

Legal Information: Many people caring for relatives' children ask us: "How can I keep the children safe and stable? How do I work with the Courts?" We offer help with applying for GUARDIANSHIP at Pima County Probate Court, helping you get answers about ADOPTION, and referring you or talking with your workers at CPS, the Juvenile Court or other systems to get the information or specific paperwork you may need. We also offer a free LEGAL INFORMATION CLINIC every month. You can bring your paperwork and your questions to an attorney familiar with the areas of law that are important to relative and adoptive families. Call the KARE Center for an appointment.

Obtaining benefits and basic items for the children: Do you need some extra assistance caring for related or adoptive children? Depending on qualifications, we provide help with:

• Filing for the "Kinship" or "Child Only" benefit with DES. This is a sum of money for the child only, and does NOT require you to put your own assets on the application. For relative caregivers only.
• Obtaining information about tax relief, if one of the caregivers works.
• Filing for AHCCCS, Kidscare, and other health coverage.
• Getting child care if you work or need a break or are facing a medical emergency.
• Support for your receiving the "Guardianship Subsidy" if you received your guardianship through the Juvenile Court.
• Support for you if you are a caregiver over 60 years old raising a child 18 or under, or for yourself as an older adult, or for an older person living in your home.
• Classes in English and Spanish on managing your money, opening a savings account, taking care of your credit record, etc. (we call it "financial literacy").

At the Center, we can also provide vouchers for necessary clothing and furniture, transportation, food boxes, and diapers.

Senior Service: Senior service provides information, referral, outreach, and support services for families with members over 60 raising children under 18. We will help you apply for Senior Benefits such as: Property Tax Rebate, Medicare cost sharing programs (QMB, SLMB), utility discounts, Senior Brown Bag, and home repair programs. "Kin Support Group for older caregivers" meets weekly in Tucson, monthly in Marana and in Green Valley.

Recreation and Respite: Ever feel like you need some time just to relax, or that the children need some time with other children in their situation? Do you experience stress in the daily routine with the children? We offer opportunities for relaxation and fun, learning new skills, and taking a break from the stress of "24/7" care giving.

• Day Trips - fun parks, restaurants, museums, movies. Small fees may apply.
• Summer programs and supervised swimming for the children
• After school programs
• Holiday celebrations for the whole family
• Wellness activities - yoga, massage, acupuncture, meditation, tai chi and more at our popular monthly spa night

Greyson Lee Bennett Kinship and Adoption Resource Library: The Greyson Lee Bennett Kinship and Adoption Resource Library is a collection of materials (books, videos, tapes, and pamphlets) which provide information and support, for professionals and families, specific to Kinship caregiver issues.

Support Groups: Are there other people out there in your situation? Do you have something to share, or just want to sit and listen? The KARE Center offers support groups for all ages, and some come with free childcare and meals. Therapists and social workers serve as resources for you at these support groups. We also have information about support groups all over Pima County. Call today.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE KARE FAMILY CENTER, CALL 520-323-4476