Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Partnering to Build Support: A Blueprint for Action Judith L. Warren, Ph.D.Janis Thompson Professor & Special InitiativesDirector CoordinatorTexoma Area Agency on Aging Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Objectives Adopt a collaborative approach to GRG programming in your community Develop an understanding of the multiple issues facing GRGs Gain skills in working with GRGs Develop an action plan for your community

Who Are Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRGs)? In 2003, 4.3 million children under 18 live with a grandparent (6.3% of children with GRGs); 1.5 live with other kin 448,439 are in Texas 30% increase in grandparent-headed households with children Types of household structure: Grandparent –Household Children Grandparent-Parent-Children Shuttle Household Children

Family Characteristics All races and ethnicities In all geographic regions: urban, rural, suburban All socioeconomic levels Income level---Age Education level---Genders Religion---Marital Status More Likely to Live in Poverty

What Triggers GRGs? Unexpected pregnancy of teen or adult child Death, illness or disability of adult child Divorce Abandonment of grandchild Drugs, abuse or family violence in grandchild household Arrest and incarceration of adult child

What are GRG’s Feelings and Reactions Anger toward adult child Sorrow about adult child Embarrassment toward neighbors & friends Joy toward grandchild Other

What Motivates GRGs? Love for Grandchildren Filling a gap created by a problem Guilt over adult child behavior Other

What Issues Will GRGs Face? Role Change Relationship Changes Financial Strain Health Issues Legal Issues Housing Issues

Starting a GRG Support Program Goals for the Group Support Knowledge Skills Access Advocacy

Working with Older Adults Aging is universal, variable, not disease Chronic conditions may contribute to stress Learning may require multi-modes of instruction Meeting time/place needs to take into account vision and mobility difficulties

Facilitating the GRG Group Co-facilitators Identify GRGs Determine meeting place Identify issues Form group Trust, respect, confidentiality Alert to emerging issues Evaluate Alternative support –phone groups

Building an Action Plan for Your Community Partners Target Audience Topics Support Sustaining