Johamery Arias EDUC514 Professor Tina Russo Grandparent Caregivers

The Problem There are millions of children being raised by grandparent caregivers not receiving the same services as children being raised by their parents. Schools and teacher often do not acknowledge the grandparents as caregivers.

Information on the Problem According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are 4.5 grandparent caregivers in the U.S. (Berger, 2008). These families are grandparent maintenance families in which the parents of the grandchildren being raised may or may not live in the same household; with the grandparent being the main provider. There are grandparent caregivers among different ethnic groups; the smallest percentage being white, and the largest being Pacific Islander (Berger, 2008). The majority of caregivers have been taking care of their grandchildren for over 5 years (Berger, 2008).

Impact on Children Poverty Many grandparent caregivers lack the adequate education to obtain high paying jobs. Poverty Many grandparent caregivers lack the adequate education to obtain high paying jobs. Health Insurance Children lack health insurance because insurance companies do not provide coverage for grandchildren, placing the children at greater risk for health problems (Berger, 2008). Health Insurance Children lack health insurance because insurance companies do not provide coverage for grandchildren, placing the children at greater risk for health problems (Berger, 2008). Behavior Children in the custody of their grandparents have higher levels of psychological disturbances than other children (Smith & Palmieri, 2007). Behavior Children in the custody of their grandparents have higher levels of psychological disturbances than other children (Smith & Palmieri, 2007).

Possible Solutions Grandparents should: Attend support groups designed specifically to meet their needs. Join kinship networks in their city or state. Actively participate in their children’s school functions. Apply for Medicaid and TANF programs if the income requirements are met. Take advantage of free health screenings in the community.

References Berger, E.H. (2008). Parent as partners in education: Families and schools working together. New Jersey: Pearson Education. Smith, G. C. & Palmieri P.A. (2007). Risk of psychological difficulties among children raised by custodial grandparents. American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved on September 18, 2010 from