LA County to provide more support to relatives caring for foster children [svgtribune.com]

About 9,000 foster children in Los Angeles County — or 52 percent of all county foster youth — live with relatives, DCFS Director Philip Browning told the Board of Supervisors.

A 2015 survey of relative caregivers, many of whom care for more than one child, found that 51 percent of those responding were 51-70 years old. About half of the foster children are grandsons or granddaughters. That means that many of the caregivers are living on a fixed income and can have a hard time paying for cribs, diapers and all the other items they need to accommodate a child who may land on their doorstep with little notice.

Caregivers urged the board to locate support centers in the areas where they live, as many have limited transportation options, and to find more funding for programs.

The department will also staff a “warm line,” open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., where caregivers will be able to get the information they need.

For the entire article written by Elizabeth Marcellino with City News Service, please click on:
http://www.sgvtribune.com/gove...-for-foster-children