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What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting

A GUIDE FOR RELATIVES RAISING CHILDREN IN TEXAS

Assistance Agencies in Texas

  • 2-1-1 Texas
    24hour system which answers questions about eligibility and applying for legal, public, and health services, including, but not limited to, Medicaid and TANF. INCLUDING INFORMATION TO APPLY FOR 1 TIME CHILD ONLY $1000 GRANT FOR GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN. Dial 211.
    Click here to visit website
  • Texas’ Area Agencies on Aging
    Free information, benefits, and support for adults 55+ caring for a relative child under the age of 18. Call 1800-252-9240
    Click here to visit website

Documents needed for School, Medical Care, Services, and More

  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card (or at least the number)
  • Shot Records
  • Previous Report Cards
  • Health Documentation of Conservatorship or One of the Following:

Kinship Care Manual - Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

This manual is provided to you by Child Protective Services (CPS), a division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services (DFPS).

This manual will help you learn what to expect while you are caring for a child who is in DFPS’s legal custody.

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Recommended Reading and Podcasts for Kinship Caregivers:

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Tips for Taking Care of Yourself and Your Children

  • Take care of your own health- eat well, exercise, keep track of your annual check-ups.
  • Relaxation is necessary, not a luxury. Find times to regroup, rest, and recharge.
  • It takes a village, find a support group of other parents like you.
  • Boundaries are NECESSARY. Learn to say no, when outside activities become too stressful. Also, set firm boundaries with bio parents. Keep communication open, but set boundaries for calls, visits, information sharing, etc.
  • Let go of guilt. This situation isn’t yours, or the child’s fault. Talk about that openly together and help each other let go of the pain guilt causes.
  • Look to local community organizations and faith communities for strength and support.
  • Focus on the positives. Every situation leaves us with 2 choices gratitude and resentment, help yourself and the children you are caring for focus on the positives through practicing gratitude.
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Contact us
ACH Child and Family Services
3712 Wichita Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76119
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Affiliate logos of ACH include Excellence In Giving, United Way of Tarrant County, TACFS, and Council on Accredidation.

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3712 Wichita St.
Fort Worth, TX 76119

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