RELEASE:February 9, 2000

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Guest Editorial: Michele K. Guhl, Commissioner

Gov. Christie Whitman and the Department of Human Services recently launched the Kinship Navigator, a referral service designed to help family caregivers coordinate the various government programs that may be available to them.

Gov. Christie Whitman also announced a $12 million initiative to provide services and supports for those relative caregivers.

Kinship caregivers are family members – particularly grandparents – who parent their young relatives when the natural parents cannot or will not take responsibility for nurturing their own children.

In most cases, the natural parents are missing, addicted to drugs, ill, incarcerated, or unable to provide a home where a child can thrive without the threat of abuse or neglect.

The Navigator service (1-877-816-3211) helps people identify and apply for programs such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Food Stamps, Medicaid, New Jersey KidCare health insurance, and subsidized child care.

The navigator also can connect people to services -- for example, rental or utility assistance -- that are provided by other government agencies.

"Many of these kinship providers do not want -- or need -- government involvement in their lives," said Commissioner Michele K. Guhl. "Yet, at the same time, many others do need our help, and we are looking for more ways to make their lives a little easier. It is just one more way we are working to make New Jersey a perfect place to live, work and raise a family -- for all kinds of families."

Gov. Whitman has also announced her intention to make $12 million available over two years, beginning this July, for kinship caregivers. This money could be used for everything from child care subsidies and respite care to one-time costs such as moving expenses or buying a crib.

"Children should, whenever possible, remain with members of their own families, and those families should help provide for the children," Guhl said. "Providing much-needed support to those relatives often helps make it possible to keep families together."