Grandfamilies
Generations United’s National Center on Grandfamilies works to create supportive programs and laws for grandfamilies, and improve access to them. Center staff conduct federal advocacy and provide technical assistance to state level practitioners and advocates.
In over a third of grandfamilies, grandparents provide primary care and support without the presence of a 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 on federal laws and initiatives designed to help grandfamilies.
- Family First Prevention Services Act: Grandfamilies Provisions Summary
- Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act
- State Educational and Health Care Consent Laws: Policy Brief and Summary
- 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:
- Grandfamilies.org
- Grandfamilies State Fact Sheets
- Grandfamilies: A Blueprint for Coordinated Action
- Annual State of Grandfamilies in America Reports