Kinship Caregiver a.k.a. Relatives Raising Relative’s Children

Region IV Area Agency on Aging offers dedicated support for kinship caregivers — relatives raising relatives — as part of its caregiver resources serving southwest Michigan. This support recognizes that grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives who take in children face challenges distinct from both traditional parenting and other caregiving roles, and they deserve services tailored to their situation.

Through its kinship-care support, Region IV connects these caregivers to peer support groups, educational opportunities, and the practical guidance they need to navigate raising a relative’s child — often suddenly and without the legal standing or financial support that foster families receive. As part of the agency’s broader caregiver resources, kinship caregivers can also tap into the monthly Caregiver Newsletter, the Trualta online training platform, respite options, and Memory Cafés, giving them a full ecosystem of support from a single source.

This resource matters because kinship caregivers are at high risk of stress, isolation, and financial hardship, yet support specifically designed for them is relatively rare. By offering peer connection and education alongside its other programs, Region IV helps these families feel less alone and better equipped. For relatives raising relatives in southwest Michigan, the agency is a valuable ally. Reach Region IV’s info line at (800) 654-2810 (Spanish line: 616-816-2580), email info@areaagencyonaging.org, or visit 2900 Lakeview Avenue in St. Joseph.