Generations United’s National Center on Grandfamilies works to create supportive programs and laws for grandfamilies, and improve access to them. Six and half million children across the country live in grandfamilies, families headed by grandparents and other relatives who share their homes with their grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and/or other related children.

In over a third of grandfamilies, grandparents provide primary care and support without the presence of parent. Some common problems encountered by grandfamilies include:

• Enrolling children in school
• Obtaining special education services
• Getting consent for medical and mental health treatment
• Securing financial assistance and health insurance coverage
• Finding affordable housing suitable for the children

Despite the challenges, research shows that the children in grandfamilies thrive. Caregivers also experience benefits like an increased sense of purpose in life. Below, find resources information on federal laws and initiatives designed to help grandfamilies.

• Child Welfare Financing
• Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act (FCA)
• Living Equitably - Grandparents Aiding Children and Youth (LEGACY)
• National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Resources

• The Grandfamilies State Law and Policy Resource Center
• Grandfamilies State Fact Sheets

If you would like updates on pending legislation that could affect grandfamilies, sign-up for Generations United’s Public Policy Alerts here.