Prevention Services - GAP Program
Grandparents as Parents "Caring Kin" (GAP) Program
- In the State of Florida, there are over 287, 753 children living in grandparent-headed households. Another 86, 152 children are living in households headed by other relatives.
- In Manatee County, there are over 3,747 children being raised by their grandparents.
- Children who live with their grandparent or relative are able to remain connected to their own cultural and family heritage.
- Siblings groups are often able to stay together within kinship placements.
The Grandparents as Parents "Caring Kin" (GAP) Program provides supportive services for grandparents, relative caregivers, and other kinship providers who are raising their kin. The GAP program has been designed to address the escalating needs of grandparents, relative caregivers, and kinship providers by offering advocacy support which connects families with medical, legal, educational, financial, counseling, and other support services.
In addition, the GAP program assists caregivers with reducing some of the stress brought about by the changes taking place within the home, and provides opportunities to connect with other kinship caregivers, share experiences, discuss areas of challenge, and seek support from one another.
To address the emotional needs of the children, the GAP program offers children’s groups which promote peer interaction as a means of support. Within these groups, children are given the opportunity to enhance social skills, address emotional and behavioral challenges, and create an environment of helping others in the process of changes.
- Caregiver Support Groups
- Children Peer Groups
- Parenting Workshops
- Knowledgeable Presenters
- Kinship Warmline Support
- Advocacy Services
- Resource and Referrals
Manatee County Lunch Bunch meets every third Saturday of the month for Fun, Food, and Sharing.
Children Peer Groups take place while the caregivers participate in the Lunch Bunch gathering.
Meets every third Saturday of the month for Fun, Food, and Sharing.
FREE LUNCH AND CHILDCARE PROVIDED
Where: Congregational United Church of Christ, 3700 26th St W, Bradenton
When: Every third Saturday of the month from 11:30a-1:30p
Please RSVP for these monthly groups, as plans for the childcare and food provided will need to be made.
Workshops are offered semi-annually in a six-week series of workshops and are designed to strengthen parenting skills and to assist caregivers in understanding children’s needs and responding behavior and facilitate positive relationships with the challenging circumstances.
Workshop Series include:
- Parenting the Second Time Around
- Understanding Your Child’s Behavior
- Caring for Children who have experienced trauma
CHILD CARE PROVIDED -- Call for more details on meeting dates and locations.
The warmline is provided by kinship volunteers who empathize, encourage, assess needs, and refer callers to appropriate services.
Local Kinship Warmline, Nancy Darr, (941) 756-8197
Florida Kinship Center Warmline, 1-800-640-6444
