Relative Caregivers Project

Overview

The Relative Caregivers Project ensures safety and stability of children by providing legal services to individuals who have relative children (a niece, nephew, grandchild, or sibling) in their physical care due to the absence of the child’s parent. We also provide information and referrals for childcare, support services in the community, and links to funding resources to help eligible clients care for their loved ones.

Services

Temporary Legal Custody

We obtain temporary legal custody of children under the age of 18, who are living temporarily with extended family members. This enables the family member to consent to all necessary and reasonable medical and dental procedures, enroll children in school and obtain all medical, educational and other records necessary to care for the children without terminating the parents’ rights. We assist the relatives in getting services and benefits they need for the children by referring them to the appropriate agencies. These benefits may include temporary cash assistance, Medicaid and Food Stamps. We also make referrals for daycare scholarships and community support groups.

Guardian Advocacy

We help families protect vulnerable developmentally disabled relatives by obtaining appointment of a Guardian Advocate for individuals turning 18 years old. This gives the Guardian Advocate specific powers, duties and responsibilities, with less expense and legal complications, and allows families to continue caring for their loved ones.

Pre-Need Guardianship

We prepare Pre-Need Guardianship documents for relative caregivers. This enables the caregiver to designate someone to continue caring for the child in case of the custodian’s death. The designee then has time to file for guardianship of the minor child.

Adoption

We help families who are considering adoption by discussing the options available to them. Obtaining permanency for children living with relatives or stepparents is a serious decision. We provide legal services in adoption proceedings in certain cases.

Limited Power of Attorney

When a family member is taking care of a child for a short period of time (due to poverty, illness, incarceration, rehabilitation, etc.) we prepare Limited Power of Attorney documents without the necessity of court involvement.

Advanced Directives

We help our clients plan for the future by preparing wills and other necessary documents.

FAQ

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How to Qualify

“Relative Caregivers” are individuals that are providing physical care for minor children who are related to them—nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or younger siblings. Free legal services are available to low-income caregivers (whose income is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.) Caregivers over 55 years of age may also be eligible for project services regardless of income level. Please contact our office at 561.655.8944 to inquire about other ways to qualify for our services.

Resources

Brochures

General Brochure

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is information only. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it substitute for the advice of an expert representative or attorney who knows the particulars of your case. Any use you make of the information on this website is at your own risk. We have made every effort to provide reliable, up-to-date information, but we do not guarantee its accuracy.