Free Legal Guide for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Source: AARP.org | February 7, 2007

AARP Wisconsin is proud to announce the creation of the "Wisconsin Legal Guide for Grandparents & Other Relatives Raising Children".

"In Wisconsin, the trend of grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren is definitely on the rise," said Jeanne Moe, AARP Wisconsin program coordinator. "We felt that we had to do something to assist these people who probably haven't parented for several years or more."

The guide defines the different types of family relationships, from less formal arrangements through adoption. It also outlines the different types of public aid that may be available in each type of arrangement, as well as the downsides of these arrangements.

The catalyst for this publication was the fact that more than 25,000 grandparents in Wisconsin are primary caregivers for their grandchildren living with them. Children who are raised by someone other than their biological parents make up approximately 6% of all children in the United States. However, many experts feel that this family arrangement is highly under-reported.

To obtain your FREE copy, call 866-448-3611 and request publication D18642. You may also email us. Be certain to include your name and address in the request.

AARP Wisconsin also plans to offer a free workshop and resource fair in Milwaukee this fall to help grandparents and others who are caring for a child the second time around.

The event, "Navigating the Systems: Parenting All Over Again", is designed specifically to provide information and valuable resources that can help these caregivers navigate the maze of services. Once a date, time and location for the event has been established information will be posted on this Web site.