Kentucky maintains the highest rating of child abuse and neglect in the nation.  Typically, grandparents and/or relatives are called upon to take immediate custody of these children.  The needs of these children can seem overwhelming, especially if you are unexpectedly thrust into the role of being their primary caregiver.  Twenty years ago, Bluegrass Area FCS agents created a handbook for children caregivers.  The Bluegrass Regional Grandparents As Parents Coalition attempted to update the hard copy periodically but it often contained outdated information.  In September 2020, Fayette County FCS Extension volunteered to reorganize, update and create an online version with current information that could be easily updated.  When the completed guide was shared with the statewide Kinship Families Coalition of Kentucky, this project expanded its outreach.  As a result, ‘A Kentucky Grandparent and Relative Caregiver Handbook’ was adopted as the state’s reference guide for relatives caring for children.   This handbook was developed to inform caregivers about resources and information that may be available.  It is not intended to provide legal advice or formal DCBS operating procedures but instead created for information inquiry with the directive to work with social workers or advocates.  Additional project partners include Kentucky Youth Advocates and the Brookdale Foundation.  The handbook is available online at gapofky.org, kinshipky.org and provided to support groups, Family Resource Centers as well as upon request.  The 57 page handbook extensively covers:  Basics to Know Up Front; Kinship Care and Basic Options; Removal of a Child to Kinship Care; Engaging with the Birth Parents; The Court Process; Types of Custody; Financial Assistance, Services and Resources; Advocacy; Additional Tips to Help;  and Terms and Definitions.