Many grandparents did not expect to become the primary care provider for their grandchild/ren; however, a wide variety of family issues have impacted their families and they now have to assume this responsibility. Grandparents from all income levels, race, ethnic, and religious backgrounds across the country are now parenting "full time" for the second time in their lives.
This new responsibility brings with it many old parenting issues, some new issues, and challenges they have never faced. Some of these issues and challenges include:
Legal Issues
Questions: What are my legal rights? How do I obtain the rights I need to make decisions for my grandchild/ren? Should I maintain an informal status or should I obtain formal rights to care for the child/ren?
Education Issues
Questions: How to enroll the child/ren in school? What papers do I need to enroll the child/ren in school? What is the best role for me to assume and what rights do I have at the school?
Financial/Budgeting Issues
Questions: Am I financially able to care for myself and my grandchild/ren? What kind of supplemental services (TANF, food stamps, SSI, WIC, housing assistance, adoption assistance, etc.) will I be eligible for? How do I access the services I will need?
Childcare
Questions: What will be my daycare and after-school needs? Where do I go to obtain these services? Will I be eligible for childcare assistance?
Medical Care/Insurance
Questions: Where do I obtain medical care services for my grandchild/ren? Is the child eligible for free or discounted services? Will my medical care/insurance be negatively impacted if I expand my insurance coverage to cover the child/ren?
Emotional Needs of Grandparents and Child/ren
Questions: How do I maintain a positive attitude as my life changes? How do I help the child/ren develop a positive attitude about the change in his/her life? Are there service providers to help us in the community?
These are just a few of the questions you may have as you begin your new journey into parenting. You are not alone. There are people and organizations in the community that can assist you. You have to be willing to seek assistance and guidance. You may have to be determined and flexible.
Sources of Help
Some of the sources for information and guidance that may help to answer your questions include
the local Legal Aid Society
the school counselor
the Department of Social Services
the Department of Health
a minister or religious group
a local support group
Social Security Administration
and community health clinics
.
Assistance Available for Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren
In the spring of 2006, the District of Columbia launched a pilot program to provide grandparents raising their grandchildren with assistance. Called the District of Columbia Caregivers Pilot Program, grandparents are now able to apply for financial assistance to help raise their grandchildren. Requests are excepted on a first come first served basis. Those interested in this program should contact the District's Family Services office at 202-442-6003 or 202-442-6151.
Many grandparents did not expect to become the primary care provider for their grandchild/ren; however, a wide variety of family issues have impacted their families and they now have to assume this responsibility. Grandparents from all income levels, race, ethnic, and religious backgrounds across the country are now parenting "full time" for the second time in their lives.
