An Official Pennsylvania Government Website
  •  

November 16, 2022 - Harrisburg, PA

Wolf Administration Highlights Resources for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren During Family Caregivers Month

Today, the Pennsylvania departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), Human Services (DHS), and Aging (PDA) highlighted available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discussed the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis.

"We know that the overdose epidemic and substance use disorder has impacted Pennsylvanians of all ages, races, and demographics, touching nearly every family. For some, it has resulted in grandparents assuming the role of parents once again due to their child participating in a substance use treatment program, incarceration, or worst-case scenario, loss of life to an overdose," said DDAP Secretary Jen Smith. "Having the right resources available to help both grandparents and grandchildren alike who are in this situation is vitally important."

Speakers Include
Secretary Jen Smith - Dept. of Drug and Alcohol Programs
Denise Shanahan - Grandmother raising grandchildren
Secretary Robert Torres - Dept. of Aging
Deputy Secretary Jon Rubin - Dept. of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth, and Families
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski - Luzerne County



<a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_01.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Secretary Jen Smith with the Pennsylvania departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) joined Human Services (DHS) and Aging (PDA) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..We know that the overdose epidemic and substance use disorder has impacted Pennsylvanians of all ages, races, and demographics, touching nearly every family. For some, it has resulted in grandparents assuming the role of parents once again due to their child participating in a substance use treatment program, incarceration, or worst-case scenario, loss of life to an overdose, said DDAP Secretary Jen Smith. Having the right resources available to help both grandparents and grandchildren alike who are in this situation is vitally important.. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_02.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Secretary Jen Smith with the Pennsylvania departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) joined Human Services (DHS) and Aging (PDA) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..We know that the overdose epidemic and substance use disorder has impacted Pennsylvanians of all ages, races, and demographics, touching nearly every family. For some, it has resulted in grandparents assuming the role of parents once again due to their child participating in a substance use treatment program, incarceration, or worst-case scenario, loss of life to an overdose, said DDAP Secretary Jen Smith. Having the right resources available to help both grandparents and grandchildren alike who are in this situation is vitally important.. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_03.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Secretary Jen Smith with the Pennsylvania departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) joined Human Services (DHS) and Aging (PDA) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..We know that the overdose epidemic and substance use disorder has impacted Pennsylvanians of all ages, races, and demographics, touching nearly every family. For some, it has resulted in grandparents assuming the role of parents once again due to their child participating in a substance use treatment program, incarceration, or worst-case scenario, loss of life to an overdose, said DDAP Secretary Jen Smith. Having the right resources available to help both grandparents and grandchildren alike who are in this situation is vitally important.. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_04.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Secretary Jen Smith with the Pennsylvania departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) joined Human Services (DHS) and Aging (PDA) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..We know that the overdose epidemic and substance use disorder has impacted Pennsylvanians of all ages, races, and demographics, touching nearly every family. For some, it has resulted in grandparents assuming the role of parents once again due to their child participating in a substance use treatment program, incarceration, or worst-case scenario, loss of life to an overdose, said DDAP Secretary Jen Smith. Having the right resources available to help both grandparents and grandchildren alike who are in this situation is vitally important.. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_05.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Secretary Robert Torres with the Department of Aging (PDA) joined the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Human Services (DHS) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. .."While older relative caregivers often find the care that they provide to be a meaningful and rewarding experience, the demands of being a primary caregiver can be stressful physically, emotionally, and financially. If an older adult becomes a caregiver for their grandchildren due to either the loss or incarceration of their own child due to substance use disorder, those stressors may be magnified," said PDA Secretary Robert Torres. "We want older caregivers to know that the Department of Aging has resources and supports that focus on their well-being by helping to alleviate those stresses." <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_06.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Secretary Robert Torres with the Department of Aging (PDA) joined the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Human Services (DHS) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. .."While older relative caregivers often find the care that they provide to be a meaningful and rewarding experience, the demands of being a primary caregiver can be stressful physically, emotionally, and financially. If an older adult becomes a caregiver for their grandchildren due to either the loss or incarceration of their own child due to substance use disorder, those stressors may be magnified," said PDA Secretary Robert Torres. "We want older caregivers to know that the Department of Aging has resources and supports that focus on their well-being by helping to alleviate those stresses.". <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_07.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Secretary Robert Torres with the Department of Aging (PDA) joined the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Human Services (DHS) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. .."While older relative caregivers often find the care that they provide to be a meaningful and rewarding experience, the demands of being a primary caregiver can be stressful physically, emotionally, and financially. If an older adult becomes a caregiver for their grandchildren due to either the loss or incarceration of their own child due to substance use disorder, those stressors may be magnified," said PDA Secretary Robert Torres. "We want older caregivers to know that the Department of Aging has resources and supports that focus on their well-being by helping to alleviate those stresses." <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_08.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Secretary Robert Torres with the Department of Aging (PDA) joined the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Human Services (DHS) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. .."While older relative caregivers often find the care that they provide to be a meaningful and rewarding experience, the demands of being a primary caregiver can be stressful physically, emotionally, and financially. If an older adult becomes a caregiver for their grandchildren due to either the loss or incarceration of their own child due to substance use disorder, those stressors may be magnified," said PDA Secretary Robert Torres. "We want older caregivers to know that the Department of Aging has resources and supports that focus on their well-being by helping to alleviate those stresses." <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_09.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Deputy Secretary Jon Rubin with the Department of Human Services (DHS) joined Aging (PDA) and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..Caring for a child, especially in a kinship care situation, is both rewarding and challenging, said Deputy Secretary for the Office of Children, Youth, and Families Jonathan Rubin. DHS strives to provide grandparents and other kindship families with the information and resources they need to take care of themselves and children in their care, including links to physical and mental health care, financial assistance, legal referrals, and much more. Kinship caregivers can be an invaluable line of support and stability for children, and we are committed to helping people who step up to fill this role for children in their lives.. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_10.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Deputy Secretary Jon Rubin with the Department of Human Services (DHS) joined Aging (PDA) and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..Caring for a child, especially in a kinship care situation, is both rewarding and challenging, said Deputy Secretary for the Office of Children, Youth, and Families Jonathan Rubin. DHS strives to provide grandparents and other kindship families with the information and resources they need to take care of themselves and children in their care, including links to physical and mental health care, financial assistance, legal referrals, and much more. Kinship caregivers can be an invaluable line of support and stability for children, and we are committed to helping people who step up to fill this role for children in their lives.. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_11.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Deputy Secretary Jon Rubin with the Department of Human Services (DHS) joined Aging (PDA) and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..Caring for a child, especially in a kinship care situation, is both rewarding and challenging, said Deputy Secretary for the Office of Children, Youth, and Families Jonathan Rubin. DHS strives to provide grandparents and other kindship families with the information and resources they need to take care of themselves and children in their care, including links to physical and mental health care, financial assistance, legal referrals, and much more. Kinship caregivers can be an invaluable line of support and stability for children, and we are committed to helping people who step up to fill this role for children in their lives.. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_12.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Deputy Secretary Jon Rubin with the Department of Human Services (DHS) joined Aging (PDA) and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..Caring for a child, especially in a kinship care situation, is both rewarding and challenging, said Deputy Secretary for the Office of Children, Youth, and Families Jonathan Rubin. DHS strives to provide grandparents and other kindship families with the information and resources they need to take care of themselves and children in their care, including links to physical and mental health care, financial assistance, legal referrals, and much more. Kinship caregivers can be an invaluable line of support and stability for children, and we are committed to helping people who step up to fill this role for children in their lives.. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_13.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Representative Eddie Day Pashinski joined the Department of Human Services (DHS), Aging (PDA), and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..PDA's Caregiver Support Program (CSP) provides resources and assistance to individuals who assume primary responsibility as a caregiver of their loved ones. The program, administered by the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, provides access to respite care, addresses the need for formal and informal supports, and offers financial reimbursement of eligible out-of-pocket costs associated with caregiving-related services and supplies. . <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_14.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Representative Eddie Day Pashinski joined the Department of Human Services (DHS), Aging (PDA), and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..PDA's Caregiver Support Program (CSP) provides resources and assistance to individuals who assume primary responsibility as a caregiver of their loved ones. The program, administered by the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, provides access to respite care, addresses the need for formal and informal supports, and offers financial reimbursement of eligible out-of-pocket costs associated with caregiving-related services and supplies. . <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_15.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Representative Eddie Day Pashinski joined the Department of Human Services (DHS), Aging (PDA), and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..PDA's Caregiver Support Program (CSP) provides resources and assistance to individuals who assume primary responsibility as a caregiver of their loved ones. The program, administered by the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, provides access to respite care, addresses the need for formal and informal supports, and offers financial reimbursement of eligible out-of-pocket costs associated with caregiving-related services and supplies. . <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_16.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Representative Eddie Day Pashinski joined the Department of Human Services (DHS), Aging (PDA), and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ..PDA's Caregiver Support Program (CSP) provides resources and assistance to individuals who assume primary responsibility as a caregiver of their loved ones. The program, administered by the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, provides access to respite care, addresses the need for formal and informal supports, and offers financial reimbursement of eligible out-of-pocket costs associated with caregiving-related services and supplies. . <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_17.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Denise Shanahan, a grandmother raising grandchildren, joined the Department of Human Services (DHS), Aging (PDA), and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ...My life was turned upside down the day I lost my daughter, and not only did I lose a child, but I also now had two innocent children that I was responsible for, said Shanahan. To say the least, I was in no way prepared, financially or emotionally. I am encouraged by the programs offered by the Wolf Administration and urge the creation and support of additional ways to help families like mine.. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_18.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Denise Shanahan, a grandmother raising grandchildren, joined the Department of Human Services (DHS), Aging (PDA), and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ...My life was turned upside down the day I lost my daughter, and not only did I lose a child, but I also now had two innocent children that I was responsible for, said Shanahan. To say the least, I was in no way prepared, financially or emotionally. I am encouraged by the programs offered by the Wolf Administration and urge the creation and support of additional ways to help families like mine.. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_19.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Denise Shanahan, a grandmother raising grandchildren, joined the Department of Human Services (DHS), Aging (PDA), and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ...My life was turned upside down the day I lost my daughter, and not only did I lose a child, but I also now had two innocent children that I was responsible for, said Shanahan. To say the least, I was in no way prepared, financially or emotionally. I am encouraged by the programs offered by the Wolf Administration and urge the creation and support of additional ways to help families like mine.. <a href="https://filesource.wostreaming.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/22316_DDAP_Grandparents_ED_20.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo<br></a>Denise Shanahan, a grandmother raising grandchildren, joined the Department of Human Services (DHS), Aging (PDA), and the Pennsylvania department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to highlight available resources for grandparents who are raising grandchildren and discuss the need for additional supports for these grandparents because of the overdose crisis. ...My life was turned upside down the day I lost my daughter, and not only did I lose a child, but I also now had two innocent children that I was responsible for, said Shanahan. To say the least, I was in no way prepared, financially or emotionally. I am encouraged by the programs offered by the Wolf Administration and urge the creation and support of additional ways to help families like mine..