Grandparents and Caregivers Raising Children
Changing Family Structure
Over the past several decades, family structures have changed dramatically. An increase in divorce rates and single-parent families, plus a decline in real wages and jobs paying a living wage have increased the need of parents to rely on extended family — particularly grandparents — to assist with the care of their children.
Regardless of who is raising the child, children who are nurtured and supported throughout childhood are more likely to thrive and develop into happy, healthy, and productive adults.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Statistics
It is estimated that 6.5 million children in the United States currently live with at least one grandparent (Kreider, 2004), accounting for approximately 9% of all children nationally and more than half (56%) of those not living with their parents.1
The trend of grandparents caring for grandchildren is so great that new societal challenges have emerged. In May 2017 Senator Susan Collins of Maine, introduced bill S.1091 – Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act.
References & Sources
- Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in the United States: Changing Family Forms, Stagnant Social Policies. READ MORE…
- S.1091 – Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act. READ MORE…
- Help for Children Living With Grandparents and Other Relatives. READ MORE…
