# Grandparents often lack support for kids in care

> Grandparents raising children without legal custody face financial and emotional strain as they navigate complex systems alone.
- Title: Grandparents often lack support for kids in care | Shortify
- Summary: Grandparents raising children without legal custody face financial and emotional strain as they navigate complex systems alone. Grandparents caring for…
- Keywords: grandfamilies, maryland, foster care, kinship support, snap benefits, charlenes circle, federal match, family first act, grandparents, legal custody, child welfare, kinship navigator
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/18/grandparents-raising-kids-often-face-gaps-support-advocates-say
- Published: 2026-09-18T14:21:03.444+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: grandfamilies, maryland, foster care, kinship support, snap benefits, charlenes circle, federal match, family first act, grandparents, legal custody, child welfare, kinship navigator
## Grandfamilies grow
Over two million grandfamilies exist nationwide, with grandparents stepping in when parents can't care for children.
## Niko's struggle
Niko Singleton, 52, cares for four grandchildren after her daughter's neglect led to emergency placement in early 2025.

> Being a single parent all over again... I never expected to be in this situation.
## Financial gaps
Singleton lost benefits because she kept children out of foster care, leaving her without income to cover basic needs.

> You'll pay a stranger to take care of my grandkids, but you can't pay me to help, you know, sustain living while I have them?
## Systemic burden
For every foster child, 18 live with grandparents or relatives outside formal care, but navigating systems is isolating.
## Charlene's Circle
Charlene's Circle of Support, a Baltimore-based nonprofit, connects caregivers with resources, legal help, and community since 2023.

> It's like the whole community is there with you even though they're not physically in your house.
## Federal funding gap
Only 11 states have kinship navigator programs approved for 50% federal funding under the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018.
## State action
At least 20 states revised foster care licensing rules in 2023 to simplify support for kinship families.
## Grandparents deserve support
Grandparents caring for children without legal custody need financial aid and legal support to avoid being left behind.

> People like us that take these children in to help them have a better life and make sure they stay healthy, we deserve support as well.
## Key takeaway

Grandparents caring for children without legal custody need financial aid and legal support to avoid being left behind.