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Dept. on Aging highlights service for grandparents

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois officials are highlighting assistance for people going through child-rearing for the second time in light of Grandparents Day Sunday.

The Department on Aging said Friday that “Grandparents raising Grandchildren” tries to locate, assist, and promote awareness of grandparents and other relatives who are raising other family members’ children.

It refers grandparents to services that will help them, such as support groups or legal aid. And in some cases there is emergency financial aid to help with utility bills, medicine, food and clothing.

Officials say as many as 200,000 Illinois children live in homes with grandparents serving as the primary caregivers.

The Department on Aging provides grants to nonprofit organizations to assist families. For the year, the department has provided $300,000 in grants to 46 support groups.

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