Catholic Charities’ Relatives as Parents Program provides families in kinship care with an opportunity to learn and grow with the support of a qualified case manager. Caregivers are often grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends, etc. who step in when the children’s parents are no longer able to care for the children.

Our Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) launched in response to the increasing number of children being raised in kinship care. RAPP assists caregivers and children, addressing their social, emotional, and educational needs.

Each month, caregivers attend an educational presentation designed to help them meet the needs of the children in their care. Examples of presentation topics include developing a family budget, legal rights and responsibilities in kinship care, and technology safety tips.

Caregivers also receive individualized support from a Catholic Charities case manager who connects families with vital resources, such as emergency assistance to meet basic needs, or referrals to medical professionals to address health concerns. Additionally, caregivers connect with peers who are also providing kinship care to minor children. This peer-to-peer support is invaluable.

While caregivers attend presentations and connect with their case manager and peers, children concurrently play with other children in similar living situations and complete an art activity. Children also have the opportunity to receive homework help. Each session concludes with caregivers and children sharing a family meal.

This program is currently offered to kinship care families in Ohio County.