An introduction to the website: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Online Support

Colorado Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Custodial grandparents increased by 73% in Colorado, compared to 30% nationally during the same time period of 10 years 75% of grandparents are under the age of 60 53% are white and 34% Hispanic 13% live in poverty

Colorado Children of Grandfamilies 51,325 children live in grandparent headed households Another 19,230 children live with households headed by other Of these children 28,185 live in household without either parent present

Definition of Grandfamily The term “Grandfamilies” refers to families where the grandparent(s) or other relative(s) is raising a child and may or may not have a legal relationship to the child who is related by blood, marriage or adoption. Also known as “Kinship Care”, “Kincare”, and “Relative Care”.

Grandparents Step In When... Substance abuse Incarceration Child abuse or neglect Divorce or illness Employment issues Family Violence Death

Costs of Caregiving Financial strain Stress, isolation and loneliness Grief, guilt, anger and resentment Increased health risk for caregivers Role shift

Challenges of Caregiving Deal with difficult legal issues Struggle accessing community services Tested by emotional and behavioral problems of children in their care

Literature Review Shows... Hayslip and Kaminski 2005 Social support is critical in protecting against depression, isolation from friends, role overload and confusion, marital and life disruptions. Grandparents raising grandchildren often “fall through the cracks” of agencies and programs.”

In Colorado.... Grassroots efforts have resulted in the creation of support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren Some support groups have grown to become successful programs, others have disbanded No state agency connects grandparents to each other and to relevant resources in such a unique and innovative way.

Research Suggests.. Computer-mediated communication for older adults leads to an increase in face-to-face attendance at meetings overtime Smyth & Kwon, 2004 Older adults log online and surfed the web more than younger persons Morrell, Mayhorn, & Echt, 2004

Purpose To create an online program for Colorado grandparents raising grandchildren through which reliable and current research based information can be shared. To provide an avenue to empower and unite grandparents who may feel isolated, invisible, or overwhelmed.

Website Designed for... Grandparents Kinship caregivers Service Providers Extension Agents Educators

What Will I Find at? Blog Local Support Group Information Starting a Support Group in Your Community Colorado State University Resources Extension Publications Other Resources Frequently Asked Questions Discussion Board (under construction)

Blog Information on a topic will be posted by Extension or University faculty. Grandparents can comment on what is posted or from other people’s/peers comments.

Support Groups This link provides information on Colorado grandparent raising grandchildren and/or kinship support groups. A contact person is listed to provide further information. If you are aware of a support group in your community that is not listed or if you start a new support group, let us know. We also appreciate updates in current listings.

Starting a Support Group Provides useful information on how to start a support group in your community. If you’re a member or leader of an existing support group you may still find the information helpful.

Colorado State University’s Resources Here you will find links to resources and services at Colorado State University that work in a field related to the issues grandfamilies face. Even though they are located on campus in Fort Collins they may still provide services to you/your group.

Extension Publications National Extension Publication Cooperative Extension’s Educational Responses to Relative Caregivers’ Needs and Concerns: State and Local Networks and Resource List  The resource link is 20 pages and the entire resource can be printed as a PDF or you can select the specific information. State Extension Publications Publications from several different state Land Grant University Extension systems' Newsletters

Other Resources This link provides information about agencies, programs and organizations with resources or services to support grandfamilies. Four separate links:  Assistance & Benefits  Health  Human & Aging  Legal

Frequently Asked Questions Benefits and Assistance Child Support Legal Parenting Self-Care More subject areas and Q & A’s to come in the future

Answer Link The Answer Link logo makes for ease in submitting a new question Website visitors may also link will to the resources for all program areas that Colorado State University Extension offers

Here you can pose a question, provide information on a resource, or share your experiences. Anyone who visits the website can read your message and choose to post a return message. Discussion Board (under construction)

Evaluation Google Analytics  Visitors  Time on site  Pages/Visit  New Visits Student Voice  Initiate 3 months after rollout  Survey of web users  Demographic, Background and Program Evaluation

Marketing Tools Brochure One Page Flyer News Release Blasts Power Point Presentation

Conclusion Questions? Comments?