The number of grandparents raising their children’s children is rising. Nationally, more than 2.6 million grandparents are raising grandchildren, according to the US Census. Child rearing presents a unique challenge for these older Americans. The Grand Parent Caregiver Information Program can help them find the assistance they need.
According to the Older Americans Act a grandparent caregiver is grandparent or step-grandparent of a child, or a relative of a child by blood, marriage, or adoption, who is 55 years of age or older and ( A) lives with the child; (B) is the primary caregiver of the child because the biological or adoptive parents are unable or unwilling to serve as the primary caregiver of the child; and (C) has a legal relationship to the child, as such legal custody or guardianship, or is raising the child informally.
Caring for a minor as a grandparent is a tremendous responsibility. The Grandparent Caregiver Information Program is designed to help these caregivers find the resources they need to manage their caregiving responsibilities and take care of themselves. Examples of services helpful for caregivers are:
- Public Benefits and Financial support
- Support Groups and Training
- Child Care and Education Support Resources
- Respite Care
- Disability Resources
The Grandparent Caregiver Information Program can help you identify which services you need and find providers in your area. For more information or to use the Grandparent Caregiver Information Program call 928 2552 Monday through Friday from 8AM-5PM, email seniors@kcbx.net Subject GCIP or come by our office in Santa Maria.
Grandparents Guide to Parenting – This is a guide for services and resources for grandparents raising grandchildren in the San Luis Obispo County or Santa Barbara Area County areas. Whether you are new to the role of grandparent caregiver or need a quick reference for resources available, we hope you will find this information helpful.