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COVID-19/Emergency Preparedness Resource Guide

For Kinship Families and Grandfamilies

“Kinship Families and Grandfamilies” are families in which children are raised by their 

grandparents, other extended family members, or adults with whom they have a close 

family-like relationship. Currently, there are an estimated 2.7 million children in 

grandfamily/kinship households without parents in the home. Under normal 

circumstances, these families face significant challenges—health, well-being, financial, 

and legal—to name a few. During emergency circumstances, including natural disasters 

or pandemics, these challenges are amplified for Kinship Families and Grandfamilies.

Many Kinship Families and Grandfamilies have limited financial resources, making 

purchases such as food, personal protective equipment, sanitizers, and disinfectants 

difficult. Moreover, intergenerational families are more likely to live in closely confined 

spaces making social distancing difficult to achieve during a pandemic. Due to their 

living circumstances, there is an increased likelihood of infection across entire families. 

For Kinship Families and Grandfamilies with school-aged children, remote learning and 

loss of access to tutors and school-based special education services is another 

challenge. Moreover, many of these families have limited or no Internet access further 

constraining their ability to home school.

These challenges increase for ethnic and minority groups. For example, many Kinship 

Families and Grandfamilies living within Indian Country experience all of these 

challenges in addition to others such as lack of access to nearby health care facilities, 

lack of adequate transportation due to the remote locations of many Tribal communities. 

Lack of transportation alone can hinder their ability to pick up critical medications and 

necessities. Communication barriers due to language differences can also present a 

challenge for Kinship Families and Grandfamilies in this community. 

Recognizing these concerns, the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 

(SGRG) Advisory Council produced the following list of resources specifically for 

Kinship Families and Grandfamilies during emergencies such as the current COVID-19 

pandemic.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVID-19 Resources for Kinship Family and Grandfamily Caregivers.................... 3

General COVID-19 Information from the Federal Government.................................. 6

Tips for “Staying Connected” in an Emergency ........................................................ 7

Helplines and Hotlines.................................................................................................. 8

Resources for Health Care and Social Service Providers ......................................... 9
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COVID-19 Resources for Kinship Family and Grandfamily Caregivers

Audience: Caregivers of children and teens

ARCH National Respite Network

Visit the National Respite Locator for a list of respite resources for parents and family 

caregivers your state or community.

Center for Parent Information and Resources

The Coping with COVID-19 for Adults and for Children webpage includes regularly 

updated resources to support children with disabilities and their families during the 

pandemic covering such topics as distance learning, attending virtual IEP meetings, 

and providing behavioral support at home.

Child Welfare Information Gateway

The COVID-19 State Child Welfare and Related Health Resources webpage contains 

a list of websites, organized by state, that provide local guidelines and responses to 

the COVID-19 emergency.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

The CFPB’s coronavirus landing page has links to information on mortgage and 

housing assistance, economic impact payments, managing finances, and scams. 

With resources from across the federal government, the Preparing, recovering, and 

rebuilding after disasters and emergencies webpage can help you safeguard your 

finances.

The CFPB explains new retirement withdrawal and repayment rules under the 

CARES Act in considering an early retirement withdrawal, CARES Act rules and what 

you should know.

The Conversation Project (advance care planning)

The Being Prepared in the Time of COVID resource offer instructions for advance 

planning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resource includes a worksheet on 

page 2 with specific questions to assist individuals in creating their own advance care 

plan.

COVID-19 Child Welfare and Related Health Resources by State

The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a list of websites that focus on 

State-specific guidelines and responses to the COVID-19 emergency.
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Eldercare Locator

This is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) that connects older 

adults and their families to services and resources. Visit the Eldercare Locator

webpage and type in the name of the city or ZIP code. Examples of some of the 

information available include, but not limited to the following:

• Support Services

• Housing

• Elder Rights

• Insurance and Benefits

• Health

• Transportation

• Caregiver corner with helpful information and support

Feeding America

The Feeding America Food Bank locator contains a database of 200 food banks 

across the nation. The locator is searchable by ZIP code and/or state.

Generations United

The COVID-19 Resource webpage on the Grandfamilies website provides an up-todate list of information, webinars and tools to assist Kinship Families and 

Grandfamilies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local Health Departments

The National Association of County and City Health Officials offers a tool to help 

individuals search for their local health departments by area.

National Council on Aging

The COVID-19 Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers webpage offers 

information on many issues impacting older adults and caregivers such as paying 

bills, Medicare assistance, transportation issues, and finding affordable food. You 

may also check benefits eligibility at BenefitsCheckup.org.

National Indian Health Board

The COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center’s Community Health Tools webpage provides 

a number of COVID-19 resources, including fact sheets on such topics as:

• Talking about COVID-19

• How to Talk to Youth About COVID-19

• COVID-19 Testing in Indian Country

• Differences Between Social Distancing, Isolation, and Quarantine
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• Securing Food and Nutrition

• COVID-19 and Housing

• Vulnerable Populations

Sesame Workshop

The Caring for Each Other initiative offers games, activities, videos, information to 

help children and parents understand the latest additional issues surrounding 

Coronavirus, including resources to help families face current challenges like missing 

friends, while also giving children ways to celebrate the helpers in their 

neighborhoods, from pharmacists to mail carriers to grocery store employees.

State and Local FEMA offices

Contact information for FEMA offices in each state and territory are available on the 

FEMA webpage. Each state specific page is organized differently however; all 

contain information on how to sign up for advance warnings such as weather alerts 

and disaster warnings.

State Health Departments

This resource links to health departments in all 50 states, 8 US territories and freely 

associated states, and the District of Columbia.

State Kinship Care Resources

The State Kinship Care Contacts and Programs webpage includes State Kinship 

Care contacts or website links to kinship care programs and services offered by State 

Child Welfare Departments as well as subcontracted private nonprofit agencies in 

applicable States and the District of Columbia.

U.S. Department of Education (ED)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act site contains the most up-to-date 

information on the Federal education law for infants, toddlers, children, and youth 

with disabilities and how families can be involved in educating and supporting their 

children with disabilities.” 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA provides various Consumer Articles and guidance on Shopping for Food 

During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The COVID-19 Resource page also contains 

additional resources such as fact sheets, videos, podcasts, toolkits and articles.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The Caregiver Support Program Information for Caregivers during COVID-19 fact 

sheet offers caregiver tips including topics applicable to all caregivers such as 

advance planning, how to protect yourself, and tips for stress management during an 

emergency.

General COVID-19 Information from the Federal Government 

Audience: Everyone 

Benefits.Gov

On Benefits.gov, you can find government benefits related to unemployment 

assistance, healthcare, and food and nutrition. You can also take the Benefit 

Finder to find additional benefits you may be eligible for.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The What you should know about COVID-19 to protect yourself and others fact sheet

offers information about staying safe during the outbreak. 

In addition, the What You Need to Know about Handwashing video provides 

instructions on how to wash your hand effectively. The Use of Cloth Face Coverings 

to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 webpage offers up-to-date information and 

guidance on the use of face coverings, as well as tips for making and washing cloth 

facemasks.

The Older Adults webpage provides important information that could be very useful to 

this population.

The Talking to Children about Coronavirus Disease 2019 webpage offers concrete 

messaging for talking with children about the Coronavirus.

CDC, FEMA, & the White House

Coronavirus.gov offers extensive information on symptoms, testing, and COVID-19

prevention. Resources are organized by audience; Kinship Families and 

Grandfamilies may need to select a number of audiences to find resources that 

specifically apply to their needs.
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Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The FCC is working to ensure that Americans stay connected during the COVID-19 

pandemic. Learn more about the pledge and the companies and associations that 

have signed on.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a number of scam text-message campaigns 

and “robocalls” offering free home testing kits, promoting bogus cures, selling health 

insurance, and preying on virus-related fears. The COVID Scams webpage offers 

information about avoiding and reporting scams.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The Coronavirus Rumor Control webpage helps the public distinguish between 

rumors and facts regarding the response to COVID-19 pandemic. 

In addition, the page offers links and information on how to report scams to the 

Federal Trade Commission. 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA provides various Consumer Articles and guidance on Shopping for Food 

during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The COVID-19 Resource page also contains 

additional resources such as fact sheets, videos, podcasts, toolkits and articles.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The What you need to know about Coronavirus (COVID-19) guide offers information 

about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Tips for staying safe and information on 

whom to contact if you do become sick.

Tips for “Staying Connected” in an Emergency

Audience: Everyone

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service Station Listing webpage included a search feature so 

that individuals can find the local radio stations they should tune into in the event of 

an emergency. There is also information about vibrators, strobe lights, and other 

alerting systems for people who are hearing impaired.

Older Adults Technology Services (OATS)

The Senior Planet Coronavirus Resource Guide offers a range of videos and guides 

on basic IT topics such as choosing a mobile device, safe online chatting, banking 

online, and shopping online.
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Wi-Fi resources for caregivers who do not have Internet access at home

If you do not have Internet access at home, this article explains how to find free Wi-Fi 

options. This article offers additional tips for finding free Wi-Fi in an emergency 

including a list of national businesses that offer free Wi-Fi. 

Helplines and Hotlines

Audience: Everyone

211.Org

Dialing 2-1-1 provides individuals and families in need with a shortcut through what 

can be a bewildering maze of health and human service agency phone numbers. By 

simply dialing 211, those in need of assistance can be referred, and sometimes 

connected, to appropriate local agencies and community organizations. 211.org can 

assist with resources in the following areas:

• COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic

• Crisis and Emergency

• Disaster Assistance

American Bar Association

The ABA site provides various legal support with finding free legal services; a Lawyer

referral tool, as well as links to free information on common issues/problems.

Stanford Legal Design and Lab

Information on eviction and rent protections during the COVID-19 emergency can be 

found on the Legal Frequently Asked Questions page.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation's largest grassroots 

mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of 

Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI provides support in Managing Anxiety, 

as well as additional information for assistance during these challenging times.

Call the NAMI Helpline at (800) 950-NAMI or in a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741

National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline

Dial 1-866-720-5721 to report fraud related to an emergency, including COVID-19. 

To submit a compliant online, complete the disaster complaint form
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National Domestic Violence Hotline

For anyone affected by abuse and needing support, call 1-800-799-7233, or if unable 

to speak safely, log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522. This toll-free, 

multilingual and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the 

United States and its territories. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a suicide prevention network of over 160 

crisis centers that provides 24/7 service to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 

via toll-free hotline 1-800-273-8255 or chat with a specialist.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAHMSA) 

Disaster Distress Help Line

The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990 can provide immediate counseling to 

anyone who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by 

developments related to the coronavirus pandemic. A text option is also available by 

texting ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746.

Resources for Health Care and Social Service Providers

Audience: Providers, social services workers, and advocates

ARCH National Respite Network

Providing and Receiving Respite Care Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic 

- Voluntary National Guidelines for Respite Care Agencies, Providers, Family 

Caregivers, and Respite Care Recipients.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation

The Foundation provides information on Helping Agencies Prioritize Kinship Care 

during the COVID-19 Pandemic . The Support Kinship Caregivers information Sheet

identifies funding sources and strategic partnerships that can shore up resources for 

families and caregivers.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

CDC has published a Guidance to Support Direct Service Providers (DSPs), personal 

care attendants, direct support professionals, paraprofessionals, therapists, and 

others as they support people with disabilities for COVID-19.
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Center for Parent Information and Resources

The Strategies to Support the Administration of Service Provision during the COVID19 Pandemic webpage contains logistics tips and information on delivering services 

remotely during the pandemic.

Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW)

CASCW develops and hosts a variety of resources for child welfare practitioners, 

students, researchers, policymakers and other professionals. The resource library

includes online training modules, publications, videos, documents, and research and 

outreach projects. CASCW also features a Podcast – It takes a Village: Child Welfare 

in a Pandemic.

Children’s Bureau – An Office of the U.S. Administration for Children and 

Families (ACF)

The Children’s Bureau provides resources from state and national child welfare 

organizations on addressing and mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

Generations United

Generations United is responding to the situation presented by COVID-19 and its 

impact on intergenerational connections around the world. Responses and resources 

are shared on the Generations United COVID-19 page including a Grandfamilies: 

Strengths and Challenges Fact Sheet. 

National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems

Administration for Community Living and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid 

Services have developed a tool for creating a Health Care Person-Centered Profile to 

assist people with disabilities, older adults, and others to communicate their needs 

and preferences, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Conference of State Legislatures

NCSL provides COVID-19 Child Welfare resources to help state legislators address 

the negative impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on children, families and caseworkers 

involved with the child welfare system. The resource guides address the following 

topics: COVID-19 and Child Welfare Caseworkers, COVID-19 and Congregate Care 

Facilities, COVID-19 and Foster and Kinship Caregivers, COVID-19 and Older Youth 

in the Child Welfare System.

National Council on Aging

The COVID-19 Resources for Professionals webpage offers tips and tools to assist 

professionals in serving their clients during the pandemic.