As kinship care rises dramatically across the region, especially in rural areas, the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is urging grandparents in Northwest Georgia who are raising their grandchildren to access critical financial and social support through the state’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) program.

This push for awareness comes as data shows rural counties bear a disproportionate share of the burden, often driven by high rates of poverty and parental substance abuse challenges.

According to the National Institutes of Health, rural Georgia sees a significantly higher proportion of grandparents raising grandchildren compared to both urban areas of the state and the national average. This trend reflects both a strong cultural emphasis on family support and the devastating impact of the opioid crisis across smaller communities.

In an area like Chattooga County, statistics highlight the depth of the need: 732 grandparents are currently living with grandchildren under 18, with almost half (49.3%) reporting that they are primarily responsible for the child’s care.

Financial Lifeline for Caregivers

The DHS’s GRG program is designed to ease the financial strain on these non-parental caregivers, many of whom are retired or on fixed incomes.

“Grandparents who suddenly take on the role of primary caregiver are often faced with overwhelming unexpected expenses, from groceries and clothing to medical bills,” said a DHS spokesperson. “The GRG program provides essential stability so these children can remain safely within their families.”

The program offers two primary forms of financial aid:

  • Monthly Subsidy Payment (MSP): Provides regular, recurring cash assistance to help cover the child’s basic needs.
  • Crisis Intervention Services Payment (CRISP): A crucial one-time payment designed to assist families facing emergency needs, such as utility shutoffs, homelessness, or urgent medical costs.

To be eligible for the GRG program, grandparents typically must apply for and receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits on behalf of the grandchild, and meet certain criteria related to the child’s age or disability.

Comprehensive Support Beyond Cash

Recognizing that financial assistance is only one component of successful kinship care, the GRG program also provides crucial referrals and services aimed at holistic support.

Grandparents can utilize the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) to help secure financial contributions from the child’s parents. Additionally, eligible caregivers may benefit from federal programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), assisting low- and moderate-income working individuals raising children.

Key partner resources available to Northwest Georgia grandparents include:

  • Project Healthy Grandparents: Specializing in health-related support, linking caregivers and children to necessary medical, dental, and psychological services.
  • Legal Aid: Offering expert legal assistance, often crucial for grandparents navigating the complex processes of obtaining guardianship or custody necessary for enrolling children in school or accessing medical care.
  • Georgia Center for Resources and Support: Providing kinship care resources, including educational materials, training, and peer support groups.

A Growing Challenge

Experts note that while traditional models often saw grandmothers co-residing with adult children, the current crisis is increasingly leading to grandmothers—and grandfathers—becoming the sole, non-co-resident caregivers, a shift that puts immense pressure on aging individuals.

DHS encourages any grandparent in Northwest Georgia counties who has taken on the full responsibility of raising a grandchild to contact their local DHS office immediately to review eligibility requirements and access the available state and federal resources designed to support their vital role.