P.O. Box 1560, Troy, New York 12181
Nearly three million children nationwide are being raised by their grandparents, and countless others are being raised by relative caregivers. Yet, very few resources are available to these families.
Kinship caregivers, which includes grandparents and other relatives, are more likely to be single, unemployed, older, and live in poorer households. The children in their care, however, have fewer behavioral and social problems.
Despite the evidence that kinship care is often a better choice for children when their parents are unable or unwilling to care for them, and the research that informal kinship care is significantly more cost-efficient than formal foster care, most kinship families receive little or no financial assistance nor adequate services to support the children’s needs.
Very few states have adequate laws encouraging grandparent and relative visitation.
Children who have relationships with their grandparents have a better sense of self and more self-esteem. Parents who have relationships with grandparents cope better with stress. Grandparents who are in contact with grandchildren experience decreased memory loss, decreased depression, and increased life satisfaction.
The following are documents produced by Chief Executive Officer Gerard Wallace during his tenure with the New York State Kincare Coalition:
The National Committee of Grandparents for Children’s Rights advocates for programs and services that support kinship families, and for new and amended legislation to encourage the placement of children into kinship care and the opportunity of visitation for those grandparents who are not caring for their grandchildren.
We advocate at the local, state, and federal levels through our grassroots network and through a national partnership for kinship care.
To get involved in our work, or to help advocate in your community, call 1-888-659-3745 or email us at help@grandparentsforchildren.org today!
