Minorities
Lean on Me: Support and Minority Outreach for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Research Report
Curt Davies, AARP Knowledge Management
Dameka Williams, AARP Knowledge Management
September 2003
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- Full Report, Pt. 2 (PDF)
- Full Report, Pt. 1 (PDF)
Over the past decade, there have been increases in the numbers of children being raised in grandparent-headed households, the numbers of minority children being raised by grandparents, and the support for the millions of grandparents (and other relatives) raising these children.
Whether grandparents are the primary caregivers of grandchildren living in their homes, or if a parent is also present (or perhaps is an intermittent presence in the grandchild's life), they face a myriad of challenges in this situation. Among the issues with which they must deal are financial, legal, health (both physical and mental health and insurance), housing, education, respite care, child-rearing discipline, rules, boundaries, etc., family communication and relationships, special needs of grandchildren, and social isolation.
The research upon which this report is based was undertaken in 2003 to attain a better understanding of the most effective ways to reach and assist these grandparents. The project's goals were twofold: to take a closer look at support groups for grandparents, and to learn more about outreach to African American, Hispanic and Native American caregiving grandparents.
Research was conducted and the report was prepared by AARP Knowledge Management and the AARP Grandparent Information Center. For further information, please, contact Curt Davies of AARP Knowledge Management at 202-434-6295. (56+ pages)