Are you raising your grandchildren or children who are relatives?

• Do you worry about all the adjustments the children have to make?
• Do you wonder how to raise your grandchildren or your relative's children in today's world with the values you feel are important?
• Would you like to know how to make the school and community work for them?
• Do you wonder what to tell them about their parents, and why you are the one who is caring for them?
• Would you like the children to have a healthy relationship with their parents?
• Is school difficult for the children you care for?
• Could you use some tips for facing legal issues?
• Would your children like to meet other children living with grandparents or relatives?

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren newsletter is a quarterly publication that provides critical information enabling you to provide care for your loved one with confidence, pride and competence. Click Here to read the current edition and see past editions or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Welcome to the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Relatives as Parents Program

You are not alone.

There are 2,350,477 grandparents responsible for their own grandchildren under age 18; 889,415 are grandfathers.

1 in 12 children under 18 are growing up in a grandparent-headed household.

The numbers of children in grandparent-headed households have increased 105% since 1970 and 30% since 1990.

Their are eight times more children in grandparent-headed homes than in the foster care system.

Grandparent and relative caregivers exist across all income levels, geographic areas, and racial and ethnic groups.

"Raising a grandchild is not where I expected to be at this point in my life, but now that I am here, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world"

- Grandparent Caregiver

"I do miss my Mom, but I like living with Aunt Mary and Uncle John. Before I'd have to get the little kids dressed and change their diapers and stuff and give them bottles if they cried at night. Now my aunt and uncle help and I go to school."

- Sheri, age 11

For more information about Grandparents Raising Grandchildren please send us an This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Area Agency on Aging is committed to supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and other Relatives Caregivers. For more information about the Agency and ways to support its mission, visit our Fund Development page or call us at 269-983-0177 or toll-free at 800-442-2803.