Despite perceived challenges associated with grandparental kinship and guardianship — delayed retirement, increased expenses — there are positive benefits for both Massachusetts grandparents and grandchildren
While this might not surprise you, the prevalence of intergenerational households — where grandparents live with one or more of their grandchildren — has become a relatively common arrangement in homes across America today.
Such is the scale of this trend that a staggering 6.7 million Americans over the age of 30 were found to be residing in the same home as one or more grandchildren, according to a 2021 U.S. Census Bureau report.
Over 2.74 million children were living in this form of “kinship care,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
However, beneath the surface of this statistic lies a significant number of households where a grandparent or grandparents are the primary caregivers.
In fact, over 2.74 million children were living in this form of “kinship care,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor, following an American Community Survey in 2021.
Asked to define kinship care, Marcus Stallworth of the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) describes it as the “full-time protecting and nurturing of children by grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, older siblings, non-related extended family members and anyone to whom children and parents ascribe a family relationship.”
In such cases of kinship care where grandparents have become the primary carers of their grandchildren, these non-traditional units are frequently now described as “grandfamilies.”
The Vital Role of Grandparents
Stallworth, who is the Director of Learning and Organizational Development and licensed master social worker at the CWLA, was also quick to highlight how pivotal grandparental kinship care is for the sake of a child’s welfare.
He explained that research shows “a child who becomes separated from their birth families experience less trauma when they are connected with individuals they have an existing relationship with.”
Nevertheless, he added, unfortunately, it’s not always easy, particularly for grandparents, as they can face “significant challenges very different from what traditional resource families experience.”
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There are several reasons why grandparents might be placed in a situation where they take on the responsibility of the short- or long-term care of a grandchild. It could be the result of the unexpected death of a parent or because the parents are unable to care for their children due to financial instability or in instances where parents are battling addiction or are incarcerated.
A Daunting Challenge
Many grandparents embrace this obligation determined to raise their grandchildren in a stable household environment. For others, however, becoming the head of a grand family is a daunting challenge.
It’s not surprising, as the consequences of this can frequently force some grandparents to delay retirement and continue to work to support their grandchildren.
Additional factors, such as the physical and emotional demands of raising a second generation of family members, can also place strain on grandparents’ own well-being.
Should you need assistance navigating the court process to obtain guardianship of your grandchildren, contact the Law Offices of Renee Lazar at 978-844-4095 to schedule a FREE one hour no obligation consultation.
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