Being the grandparent of a child with developmental disabilities can feel like unknown territory. Whether it is in giving support, or getting it, it can be helpful to know what resources exist specifically for grandparents:
If you are raising your grandchild with developmental disabilities:
Support Groups
Most counties in Washington have support groups for grandparents and other relatives who are raising children. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has a list of support groups located across Washington State.
DSHS Kinship Care
Over 35,000 people in Washington State are caring for a relative’s child. The services offered under DSHS Kinship Care include Kingship Navigators, health care, child care and other assistance. (Go to Kinship Care web page)
Kinship Navigators (available in 30 of state’s 39 counties and 8 Tribes)—part of the Aging and Long-Term Support Kinship Care program—offer unpaid relative caregivers information and connection to resources, including free passes to the Seattle Aquarium and Pacific Science Center.
Zero to Three for Grandparents
Zero to Three has some helpful information for all grandparents about identifying issues/challenges around a grandchild’s development that can be helpful. Information available in English and Spanish.
Go to Grandparents Page | Get information in Spanish
Is there another resource you’d like to share or advice you’d like to give other grandparents? Email us and let us know!
