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About this episode

When Randy lost his mother, he was lost. His grandmother wanted to help him find his way but she was struggling. She was worried she'd have to place him in foster care, then she found Edgewood. THANK YOU Special thanks to Director Suzanne Baird and the amazing crew from Lieberman Productions to gave their time and talent to tell Randy's story. EDGEWOOD KINSHIP When crisis, substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, economic hardship, divorce, domestic violence, or other challenges take parents from a child, other family members often step up to fill the gap. Edgewood Kinship Support Services Network (Edgewood Kinship) supports these courageous and caring grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings. Edgewood believes that children should first be supported in the homes of relatives and remain in their communities. Research shows it is better for the child, and it is also a less expensive alternative to traditional foster care. Yet, few resources exist for kinship caregivers. Edgewood Kinship was created in 1993 to fill the gaps in public social services available to relative caregivers. Then, it was the first program of its kind. Today, Edgewood’s innovative program is a model for similar programs across the U.S. Relative caregivers often have special needs linked to age, poverty, poor health, social isolation, and inadequate access to information and services. Edgewood Kinship addresses the unique needs of each caregiver and child by providing referrals to basic services, support from others who’ve “been there,” and a break from daily stresses. It’s a formula that works for caregivers and their children. Support children like Randy by making a donation on Edgewood.org.

• Release Date

  Nov 18, 2009

• Runtime

  06:34