According to the 2000 census, nearly six million children under the age of eighteen are being raised by someone other than their natural parents. Nationally, Illinois holds three(3) of the top six (6) congressional districts with the most grandparents raising grandchildren under the age of 18.
Many of these caregivers are grandparents. Some are now living on a fixed income, and are faced with a multitude of issues besides these children. Health issues, finances, and housing are just a few problems they will be faced with now.
Support services may be desperately needed by this "Family of kin."
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