How to Be a Grandparent Raising a Grandchild

Six percent of U.S. children under 18 (3.9 million children) live in grandparent-headed households, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Here is some help for grandparents who are in charge of the family.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Protect yourself legally, first of all. Contact the local department of social services, family care agencies or a legal aid service to get information regarding custody, visitation rights, adoption, guardianship, kinship, relative foster care and foster care.
2. Figure out how you will afford to house, feed and clothe your grandchild. If you need help, contact the above-mentioned agencies as well as religious and charitable groups, your bank, the Social Security Administration (regarding Supplemental Security Income), and groups that provide grandparent support (like AARP).
3. Consider how to provide adequate medical care for your grandchild. Talk with your own insurance carrier to see if your grandchild qualifies as a dependent. Contact the local/state social services for information about Medicaid's Children's Health Insurance Program.
4. Get help with child care by getting in touch with day care centers (see the yellow pages), Head Start programs, and the local or state social services department.
5. Figure out when and where you will enroll your grandchild in school. Call the local school's principal or guidance counselor. Check into support the child can receive from the guidance counselor or from special education or special needs programs if that is appropriate.
6. Ask for help if the child has psychological or emotional issues (anger, loss, confusion) regarding the family situation. A mental health association, school counselor, clergy person, social worker, or private therapist can assist you.
7. Take care of yourself. Go to your doctor and have a physical - discuss your family responsibilities with your doctor. Get involved in a grandparents support group in your area or online. Ask for help from your clergy person or religious leader, or from any of the agencies mentioned above. They are there to help you.

Tips & Warnings

• Your state/local public health office may also know about low-cost or free medical insurance programs.
• Because this transition into guardianship is often unexpected, many grandparents are caught unprepared to handle their new role. If you know a grandparent raising a grandchild, offer to help in any way you can.