If you are a grandparent living with grandchildren, you are not alone. According to the 2000 U.S. Census:
About 5.8 million (or 3.6 percent) of all adults live with grandchildren younger than 18.Almost 184,000 children in Michigan live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives.
Families who combine several generations under one roof reap many benefits; they also face some special challenges. In Michigan and across the country, people are working to expand services and supports for children living with relatives.
Check out these resources:
The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) offers plenty of resources for all grandparents, including those who are raising grandchildren. Contact their Grandparent Information Center (GIC) on the Web or call 800-424-3410.
Here are some Michigan resources that can help:
The Kinship Care Resource Center offers trainings and workshops for kinship caregivers (family members other than parents who care for a child full time). Their toll-free hotline answers questions about legal issues, child development and other concerns. Visit their website or call 800-535-1218.
Children's Trust Fundcan put you in touch with support groups and resource centers for grandparents throughout Michigan. Call 517-373-4320.