I think your social worker can help you with some of your concerns. The children should qualify for daycare, and a monthly TANF $. Also with medical.
My grands did as they are considered catagorically needy. Your income does not count. I am in Wa state. I think it should be same in most states. I wouldnt trade my role for anything. I am 66, Been doing this 14 years. Bless your heart. The kids need you so!

Hi cottontail, I just joined this group. I have been a relative caregiver in Florida for the last 6 years. There is help, as mentioned above for medical care. We also qualify for daycare expenses. Recently found out private school scholarship opportunities called "Step up for Students."
If I can help let me know.

new here too, actually stumbled onto the site for some support on these very issues...i am a grandparent raising a grandchild...in my case, i have had her with me since she was born...the previous suggestions that you work with and access services through the social workers on the case are all on point...additionally, i would strongly suggest that ALL of you...you, your husband and the kids, get into counseling, both individual and family....you are all going to be going through ALOT of changes and it is going to be very stressful and it sounds like the kids have already really been through the wringer...you are likely going to be dealing with a lot of anger, trust issues and anxiety/depression from the kids...you are doing the right thing....you stepping up and stepping into the void is precisely what they need, but once you do, you have to be all in....they can not be an option you opt out of if the going gets tough...telling the hard truths here, your lives are going to permanently change and you are going to need help and guidance to navigate that, and help the children navigate it.....sending prayers on a wing

I am so glad I found this site. I have no one I can talk to because I am so ashamed of my predicament. None of my colleagues or friends know what I am going through. A few weeks ago a social worker and detective arrived at my daughter's home and handed me a paper that I am now custodial caregiver for her three children. My daughter must have supervised interaction only. I had to immediately move into her home so the kids could continue their lives as normal as possible. There is more to this story of course, but I am writing now because the anger and resentment of my 24/7 duties is wearing me down. The only time I am free is when the kids are at school and I go to work. I have to rush home directly after work when they get off the bus. This situation is so unfair. It is because of my daughter and her husband's chain of very bad decisions. I am having a hard time being nice. Hopefully this is a temporary situation but at the moment I see no light at the end of the tunnel short of my death. Someone please give me some hope.

Hi Gammy, a few weeks ago I also was given the care of my grandchildren. I too feel a bit worn down. I am hoping that this feeling will pass. I have told my friends and colleagues about what has happened. You haven't done anything wrong and they might be able to support you ? Just a thought ? I understand how you feel about the end of the tunnel, i think that it will get easier as the children get older. You are a special person to do this and they are lucky to have you. Hopefully someone more experienced on here will be able to provide some hope. good luck

hi I know where you are coming from we love our grandkids too , we got them jan 29th 2016 , and it will very hard but I would nt want to worry myself sick everyday that they were being abused while in foster care , and from what I'm told you will get a check for them from state , to help when you adopt them , I hope I helped you.mary

Hello Gammy , I don't know where you live ,but have you asked about financial help, it is hard to bring up children and you working must be so hard, here over the pond, it is easier as financial support is good. Maybe working part time would help, what you are doing is angel work, your grandchildren don't deserve what the parents have done, but you are all they have, hope you find the best way to deal with the situation and your grandchildren have a good and loving home, one day they will be grateful for what you are doing. 'GOD' bless all loving and caring grandmothers*

Contact DSS in your county. They will be able to tell you what to do and what kind of assistance your grandchildren qualify for.

I have guardianship since 2005 of my oldest gd and adopted my two younger gc 5 years ago. My husband and I had a lot of adjustments to make. I went from working outside the home to working inside. Then my company decided they wanted me to come in after we got the baby and his sister. I went to work at a different company working from home. This got me almost to kindergarten when everything went wild. I made the decision to be a stay at home mom. This of course gave my husband and I more challenges, but we soon saw the kids thriving and my mental status improved. We have no family support so in our mid to high 50 we are just plugging along. We had to give up a lot in order for me to stay home, but I wouldn't change a thing at this point! We do get a monthly check from the state through the adoption. We also based on our age made sure the kids would receive state insurance throughout their growing years.

I am doing it right now all alone. I have 4 children of my own . 3 of them are grown and out of the house. I am raising my 10 year old and my 6 year old grandson who was abused and molested in Foster Care. Yes it's hard. Just had my first break in a year when my grandson started going to school Full- time just this last week. I would't have it any other way though. I'll be damed if that child was growing to grow up in the system, Iv'e had him a year. He's come a long way and I am so proud of him.He has a long way to go though. Temper Tantrums every morning and in the evening. Those moments though where I see him blossoming because of my love and the stability I give him are golden moments that I wouldn't trade for the world. I saved his little life,what can be more beautiful and unselfish than that?