CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM

The Foster Grandparent Program in Santa Clara County was begun in 1972 with 16 foster grandparents serving in three host institutions.  There are currently 80 foster grandparents serving children in 19 institutions and schools giving daily unhurried individual attention to children who have physical, mental, emotional or social disabilities.

 The foster grandparent spends from 15-40 hours per week, giving warm personal attention and affection to the children they serve.  They work with their foster grandchildren on a one-to-one basis.  They play with them, talk with them, read to them, work with them in simple craft activities and, in school, lend support and assistance in the child's learning activity.

 They often use their own ingenuity in devising activities the children will enjoy and benefit from, acting in much the same role as they would with their own grandchildren.

 The benefits of the program accrue to both the foster grandparents and the children.  The foster grandparents enjoy the self respect and sense of contribution that comes from being needed and wanted, and the resultant physical, psychological and social benefits to their lives.  The children have the experience of sharing love and affection with a nurturing adult, and they progress in many ways in overcoming their disabilities as they receive the individual attention.

 A foster grandparent must be at least 60 years of age, be on a retirement income, be in reasonably good health, and have the desire to give to children who have need for their attention.

 Participants in the program receive a small non-taxable stipend of $2.65 per hour.  Other benefits include a daily hot meal in the institution/school, transportation allowance, a yearly physical examination, vacation and sick leave, and above all the love and affection of the children they serve.  Before placement, each person receives 40 hours orientation.  In addition, four hours monthly inservice is provided.