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Kinship Care
Advocacy for Kinship Care
How Can I Advocate for Kinship Care?
There will be times when you will need to advocate for yourself, your family and your community. Kinship care is on the rise throughout the nation. Grandparents, aunts and uncles are finding themselves raising their relatives' child with very little assistance. You may find it difficult to get your child in school or receive medical care. There may be some policies that need to be changed or introduced in order to get what you and your family need. Many organizations and legislators may not be aware of the needs of kinship families.
You want to do something to affect change, but you do not know what to do, or how to go about making a change. You are not sure if they will hear your voice. This is when advocating is very important.
As a kinship caregiver you will have the best interest of your family and your community in mind no matter what the circumstances. But, you need to know how to get your point across, in other words, make your voice heard to bring about change for your family and the kinship care community. To make the needs of your family and your community be known you will need to communicate via by phone or by mail.
Tips on Writing Your Representative
Writing your representative is the most popular and successful way to communicate your needs. There are a list of things you need to know to write an effective letter:
- State the purpose of the letter.
- Be specific and to the point on the issue.
- Include all the key information.
- Be courteous.
To find your Senators and Representatives, click on the website address below:
- The Senate
- House of Representatives
You may also access your Senators and Representatives through CWLA's Kids' Advocate Online.
Tips on Telephoning Your Representative
- Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senator's and/or Representative's office.
- Remember when you telephone your Senator or Representative, you may not be able to talk with him/her directly. You may be assisted by an aide who handles calls and issues.
- If you are calling about a State bill, be prepared to state why you are calling (to oppose or support a bill). Also, state the bill number (S. ___ / H.R.___).
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