Robyn's Nest - The Parenting Network- Help for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Help for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Grandparent's raising their grandchildren has become quite common over recent years. Due to mental or physical illness of a parent, drug and/or alcohol related issues and countless other reasons, many children are being entrusted into the care of their elderly grandparents.

This does pose a problem for theses caregivers, however. Many are on a fixed income and do not have the financial means to care for all the expenses of raising a child. Legal and custodial issues are also another cause for concern, but with the right information and support, any grandparent can work through the hardships and helpmake sure that their grandchildren lead happy and fulfilling lives.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about 1.3 million children are entrusted to their grandparents every day. That same 1994 study says another 2.4 million children live in households headed by a grandparent

6.3% of US children under 18 (4.5 million) live in grandparent-headed households (Census 2000)

About one-third of these children have no parent present in the grandparent-headed household

There are grandparent-headed households in every socioeconomic and ethnic group

Grandparent caregivers often face legal issues such as custody, adoption, guardianship, and foster care. Many times agreements can be reached through mediation. For help in learning about the best choice for your family, contact:

Mediation services

Local/state bar associations

Legal services/legal aid society

A lawyer who specializes in family law

Local department of social services

Foster care or adoption agencies

Family service agencies

grandparents, grandchildren, foster care, custody, family service agencies, social services, aoption, temporary assistance to needy families It is often difficult to afford to house, feed, and clothe your grandchild. Some states offer subsidies for grandparent caregivers. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), a federal/state program, is also an option. To find out about these and other options in your community, contact the following organizations:

The local Social Security Administration office for information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Grandparent support groups (contact the AARP Grandparent Information Center to see if a group exists near you)

Local department of social services, aging, or family services

Religious/charitable groups

Various options include private insurance, Medicaid, or state Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). You can determine what your grandchild is eligible for by contacting:

Your own insurance carrier to see if your grandchild qualifies as a dependent on your policy

Your local department of social services or child and family services office for Medicaid/CHIP information

Local/state public health office for low-cost or free programs

Source: AARP website: www.aarp.org

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