Alabama grandparents and relatives who are raising children affected by the opioid epidemic will finally receive financial assistance for the first time in state history. This aid will be a significant relief for those who have been struggling financially due to the responsibilities of raising their grandchildren or relatives.
The Alabama opioid settlement fund is providing financial assistance to those families in need.
The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that in Alabama, there are more than 60,000 grandparents and other relatives who are responsible for the care of over 230,000 children. Sadly, this is often due to the consequences of drug addiction – either because a parent has overdosed or is unable to provide proper care due to their mental state.
Madison County is making history by providing financial assistance to grandparents and relatives who are taking care of children in need. This is a first-time initiative in the state, and it will provide much-needed support to those who find themselves in these circumstances.
Dr. Marsha Raulerson, Vice Chair of Children First Foundation, explains that the project is focused on prevention.
Dr. Raulerson, who has been working as a pediatrician for several decades, is well aware that numerous children across the state will be able to reap the benefits.
“The children need things the step-up parents can’t really afford, grandparents want things for the child but they just can’t afford it just putting food on the table, buying school uniforms doing all of those things that you have to do takes all the money they don’t have,” explained Raulerson.
Three counties in Alabama are set to receive a total of $270,000. Madison County will receive a grant of $90,000, which will be distributed equally as a one-time payment. However, child advocates are urging officials to consider providing the payment for as long as opioid settlement funds are available.
North Alabama’s non-profit organization, Grandparents as Parents, is dedicated to supporting families in similar circumstances. Keith Lowhorne and his wife established the organization with the objective of aiding fellow grandparents who find themselves raising their grandchildren.
Lowhorne expressed their financial struggles, stating that their income is severely limited and they do not have a traditional 40-hour workweek job. They emphasized the need for assistance and how crucial it is for their situation. Despite this, there seems to be no available help, adding to their difficulty.
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