Help For Grandparents Raising Grandchildren It is estimated that one in 12 children in the United States live in households that are led by grandparents. This amounts to some six million-plus children who are being raised by their parents' parents. While it is certainly true that grandparents taking on parental roles is not a rarity, this fact does not necessarily make raising a child any easier. When grandparents are thrust back into the role of parent, no matter the reason, difficulties can arise. Even when the job is a labor of love and a personal joy, the work can be hard. Resources are available that can help grandparents excel in their tasks. These places can provide assistance when it is needed the most: · The AARP- Located online at AARP.org/family/grandparenting, the Grandparent Information Center provides advice, tools, articles and support finders for grandparents who are raising grandchildren. This national organization uses its web site to provide a clearinghouse of information that can help grandparents navigate through waters that may otherwise be quite murky. · The government benefit locator - The U.S. Government provides tools to help grandparents find out if they may be eligible for a variety of government-backed assistance programs. These can help in meeting the financial needs a grandparent-led family may face. · The Child Care Locator - Child Care Aware is a national resource for learning about and locating child care assistance. This web site can help grandparents learn what they need to know about obtaining child care. It can also assist them in finding help in their own areas. · State programs - Child welfare agencies located in each of America's 50 states often run their own programs to assist grandparents in raising their children. These programs might range from assistance with health and child care to actual financial assistance and food assistance help. It is best for grandparents to check directly with their own state offices. Programs and requirements can vary by state. · The National Center on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - This nonprofit organization provides grandparents with a variety of resources. Perhaps its most vital tool is a listing of grandparent programs by state. The center's web site can be found at Chhs.gsu.edu/nationalcenter · The Grandparent Foundation - This organization provides a variety of information related to grandparents in general. It also offers a lot of information and resource advice for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. The foundation's web site is located at Grandparenting.org. · Local programs - Many communities throughout the United States have their own resources and support groups for grandparents who are raising children. It is best to check on a local basis for what is available regionally. Hospitals, children's services agencies and other similar organizations can provide information on what might be available. Raising a grandchild is a big job. While grandparents often love every minute of the undertaking, it is not necessarily easy. When a little help is needed, there are places for grandparents to turn. From the federal government down to grassroots organizations, help is out there.
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