Grandparents Rise to the Challenge of Raising Grandchildren
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-12-12 16:14:24.566018-05:00
When parents are unable to care for their own children, grandparents are quick to step-up to the challenge. Statistics indicate that grandparents are caring for more than 5.5 million children in the United States. In Minnesota alone, over 48 thousand children live in grandparent-headed households—an increase exceeding 100% in the past decade.
However, taking in children is a life-changing undertaking that presents a multitude of stresses, questions and concerns. As more grandparents assume this responsibility, the demand for support and information pertaining kinship caregiving is also growing. Many grandparents feel like they are alone in this chapter of their lives—nervous about facing the responsibility of raising children for a second time.
To address this need, AARP Minnesota partnered with Minnesota Kinship Caregivers Association, Inc. to organize the Pathways to Kinship Care Conference which took place on Sept. 30 at St. Paul College in St. Paul, MN. The event brought together 200 grandparents and relatives from different communities in Minnesota to provide them with guidance in raising grandchildren.
Caregivers are often unaware or confused about laws, policies, financial assistance, and custody procedures relevant to kinship caregivers. The Pathways to Kinship Care Conference was designed as a one-stop-shop for caregivers, offering a multitude of different resources all at once.
Highlights from the day-long event included:
- A keynote address from Judge Tanya Bransford
- Entertainment provided by Grupo Mexica Cenoch Dancers and the Walker West Music Academy
- Breakout sessions addressing different caregiver topics
- A Peer Panel composed of five kinship caregivers
- A closing speech from AARP State President Hubert H. " Skip " Humphrey, III
Representatives from approximately 30 community organizations provided literature material and advice throughout the day, while individuals were also able to make 15-minute appointments with legal aide attorneys. Participants had the opportunity to gather information, ask questions and network with other kinship caregivers. Overall, Pathways to Kinship Care was an excellent occasion to celebrate kinship caregivers and empower Minnesota families.
- Grandparents
Other Resources
- Benefits CheckUp
- Minnesota Kinship Caregivers Association
- National Conference of State Legislatures
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