Foster Care Stipends vs. Relative Pay: Financial Realities
When a child comes into your care, the financial responsibilities can begin immediately. Food, clothing, transportation, school supplies, medical needs, and everyday household expenses can add up quickly. For grandparents,…
How MyMy and GamGam Are Starting the School Year Strong with ASCI
Each month, A Second Chance, Inc. (ASCI) amplifies the voices of our kinship families. Through these stories, we highlight the experiences of children and caregivers navigating kinship care and the…
Building Pathways of Success for Every Young Person
How Stability, Advocacy, and Emotional Wellness Help Youth Thrive This School Year As families prepare for another school year, the excitement of new classrooms and fresh opportunities comes with important…
Community Changemaker Spotlight: The Pittsburgh Promise
At A Second Chance, Inc. (ASCI), we recognize organizations that are creating pathways, expanding opportunities, and investing in the future of young people. The Pittsburgh Promise is one such changemaker, helping Pittsburgh…
ASCI Attends the African American Strategic Partnership Conference
ASCI had the opportunity to attend this year’s African American Strategic Partnership (AASP) Conference, a professional development event focused on employee wellness, sustainable leadership, workplace culture, and organizational effectiveness. The…
Medical & Educational Consent: A Practical Guide to Enrolling a Child in School and Accessing Medical Care
When a child enters into care, one priority is making sure they can attend school, receive medical care, and access the services they need. For kinship caregivers, however, questions about…
Legal Options for Kinship Caregivers
When a family member’s child comes to your home, your immediate instinct is to offer love, protection, and a familiar place to land. As the initial transition settles, you may…
Informal vs. Formal Kinship Care: What You Need to Know
When a child enters your home unexpected or through a planned family agreement, your immediate priority is providing a safe, loving place to land. As a relative—whether you are a…
A Caregiver’s Guide to Medicaid & Healthcare for Young Relatives
When you welcome a child into your home, your first priority is ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being. Once immediate physical needs like meals and a quiet bedroom are set…
How to Talk to Your Kinship Child About Their Parents
Compassionate conversations that build trust, preserve identity, and strengthen family bonds. “Why can’t I live with my mom?”“Does my dad still love me?” These are some of the hardest questions…