Grandparents raising grandchildren is a growing trend in the United States. An increasing number of grandparents are living with, supporting and raising one or more of their grandchildren, sometimes on limited incomes or by sacrificing their own retirement plans.
In 2010, the Pew Research Center found that one in 10 children in the United States were living with a grandparent, and that the number of U.S. households composed of multiple generations was higher than it had been in half a century.
Fortunately, there are many resources, programs and benefits available to assist grandparents who are raising, or helping to raise, their grandchildren. Here are some of the best places to start:
- USA.gov provides information about federal and state programs, benefits and assistance as well as health and safety resources, and data and publications to help grandparents who are raising grandchildren.
- The National Center on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, based at Georgia State University, also provides resources and information, and seeks to improve the well-being of children raised in intergenerational families.
- The Child Welfare Information Gateway, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- AARP Grandparent Information Center offers articles, a free newsletter, message boards and links to local support groups.
- The Federal Citizen Information Center offers practical information on subjects ranging from immunizations to tax tips to childproofing your home.