May is Older Americans Month. It is a time to thank older adults in Minnesota for everything they do for our state.

One important way they help is by caring for children. When children cannot stay with their parents, grandparents and other relatives often step in to help. They provide a safe and loving home so children can stay connected to their family and community.

Did you know?

• About 66% of children in family foster care in Minnesota are placed with relatives or other kin, according to reports from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
• Between 2023 and 2025, 28,000 children in Minnesota were in kinship care (Annie E. Casey Foundation report).
• In 2024, 17,000 children are being raised by grandparents (Annie. E Casey Foundation report).
• Many of these caregivers are over age 60, continuing a trend of older adults stepping up to support the next generation (Kinship and Grandparents Data report).

This May, we honor these older caregivers. Their hard work and love keep families together in our communities. They deserve our deepest thanks and our strongest support.

Minnesota offers several resources to support kinship caregivers, including many specifically designed for older adults and grandparents.

Statewide Support & Navigation

• Minnesota Kinship Navigator Program: This program connects relatives and close friends raising children with legal, financial, and emotional support.
• Kinship Warmline (Lutheran Social Service of MN): A dedicated phone line (877-917-4640) providing one-to-one support and referrals to local medical, financial, and legal services.
• Senior LinkAge Line: A free statewide service (800-333-2433) that helps older adults find community resources, including specific support for grandparents raising grandchildren.

Financial Assistance

• Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) - Child Only Grant: Provides monthly cash and food assistance for children living with relatives. The caregiver's income is often not counted for this specific grant.
• Northstar Kinship Assistance: Financial support for relatives who take permanent legal and physical custody of children previously in foster care.
• Bridge to Benefits: An online tool to see if your family is eligible for public programs like energy assistance, health care, or tax credits.

Legal & Specialized Resources

• Keeping Families Connected Minnesota: A nonprofit providing legal help for kinship caregivers navigating family court and custody issues.
• LawHelp MN: Offers legal information and helps you find free or low-cost legal clinics based on your zip code.
• Division of Indian Work: Provides specialized support groups and services for Native American elders and grandparents acting as caregivers.

Local Navigator Offices

• St. Paul: Lutheran Social Service, 651-917-4640
• Twin Cities: Urban League Twin Cities, 612-302-3100
• Rochester Area: Family Service Rochester, 507-218-3255
• St. Cloud Area: Nexus-Kindred Family Healing, 320-200-2442