A Kinship Family Support Program
The Center for Intergenerational Learning at Temple University provides family support services to children in out-of-home placement (kinship, foster care, group homes, etc.). The primary population is elementary children not living with their biological parent, often because of parent abandonment, substance abuse, illness, incarceration, neglect and/or abuse. The children range in age from seven to 12 years old and attend one of four Philadelphia public elementary schools
Grandma's Kids' four schools are in the School District of Philadelphia :
Blankenburg
Blaine
Harrison
McKinley
For the Children, the after school program includes:
1. Tutorial Assistance/Homework Help: Children are provided tutorial assistance to complete their homework assignments or to work on academic deficit areas
2. Life Skills/Educational Enhancement Lessons: Sessions on conflict resolution, communication, and anger management build childrens coping skills.
3. Cultural and Recreational Activities: Culturally appropriate and recreational activities are provided through the use of paid consultants in art, rap, storytelling, and dance
4. Group Counseling: On a weekly basis, children discuss their concerns and issues with a certified therapist in small groups of no more than five to seven students.
For the Caregiver, the program provides:
1. Parent Education and Resource Workshops: Scheduled sessions on identified caregiver issues regarding discipline, child management, and community resources.
2. Family Support: This service is provided through the Kinship Case Manager as issues are identified through an Intake Risk Assessment. Support includes resource linkage and follow-up monitoring to referral services.
3. Cultural Recreation Events: Fun events are scheduled just for the caregivers, without their children.
The program is funded by the Philadelphia Department of Human Services Division of Community-Based Prevention Services.
For more information about Grandma's Kids and to refer children and families call:
