HARRISBURG (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) — KinConnector, a new resource for grandparents caring for grandchildren, will serve the growing population of Pennsylvanians raising their relatives’ kids amid the opioid epidemic.
Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller tells KDKA Radio navigators help to ease the transition for those who were preparing for retirement, not parenting..
“People know there are services and resources that can help them, but they don’t know where to find them or how to access them,” Miller said. “So with our new helpline we’re hoping to change that.”
Kinship navigators staffing the KinConnector helpline are trained social service workers.
“Kinship navigators are going to connect grandparents and other relatives who are raising children with resources such as health, financial and legal services, support groups, training and parenting advice,” Miller said.
Miller says a majority of family members becoming primary caretakers in the opioid epidemic are grandparents often taking on a new role while dealing with tragedy.
“They might have lost their daughter or their son to the disease of addiction or they may have a son or daughter that is struggling with the disease of addiction,” Miller explained.
“Because of that, they are in a position where they are stepping up and really assuming that role of parent for often times really young children.”
A website is expected to launch later this year. Caretakers can reach the help line at 1-866-KIN-2111.
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