Foster Grandparent Program
Stored: Foster Grandparent Program, Foster Grandparent Program
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | AmeriCorps |
| Top Organization | Executive branch |
| Creation Legislation | Older Americans Act |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | |
| Program Start | |
| Initial Funding | |
| Duration | |
| Historic | No |
Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is a volunteer initiative where seniors aged 55 and over serve as mentors, tutors, and friends to children with special needs. Its purpose is to provide emotional support, literacy assistance, and personal guidance, helping children academically, socially, or emotionally. A notable aspect is the mutual benefit, with volunteers gaining a sense of purpose and community involvement while children receive personalized attention.
Goals
- To offer one-on-one support to children with special needs.
- To promote the health, activity, and social engagement of senior volunteers.
- Success metrics include academic improvements in children, volunteer satisfaction, and the number of children served.
Organization
The FGP is administered by local organizations, such as non-profits, faith-based groups, or schools, which receive funding through AmeriCorps. These organizations recruit, train, and place volunteers in community settings. Governance includes adherence to AmeriCorps guidelines with local oversight. Funding comes primarily from federal grants, with additional local support where available.
Impact and Outcomes
The program has shown positive impacts on both volunteers and children, with children exhibiting better academic performance and behavior, while seniors report increased well-being and social connections. Challenges include ensuring a good match between volunteers and children and dealing with the logistics of placement. Unintended consequences might include over-reliance on volunteer support in some educational settings.
Sponsor
Background and History
The FGP was established in 1965 under the Older Americans Act to utilize the experience of seniors in mentoring children. It has evolved to focus more on children with exceptional needs and has expanded nationwide. Key developments include better integration with educational systems and broader recognition of the benefits of intergenerational programs.
Funding for the FGP has been consistent since its inception, with no set end date for the program's operation, reflecting its ongoing relevance.
The program's budget is primarily through federal grants, with potential additional funding from local sources. There have been no significant financial controversies associated with the FGP.
Implementation
Volunteers are recruited based on their willingness to commit time and their ability to meet the program's requirements. They are then placed in schools or community centers, where they work directly with children. There is no specific end date for the program as it operates continuously.
The position title for the head of local FGP operations is generally Program Director or Coordinator.
See Also
External Links
- https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps-seniors/foster-grandparent-program
- https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps-seniors/foster-grandparent-program
The Wikipedia article about this program is wikipedia:Foster Grandparent Program.
Social media
- No official social media accounts were found for this program.