There are at least 2.6 million children in the United States growing up in grandfamilies, meaning they are raised by relatives or family friends without their parents in the home. While grandfamilies are of all geographic locations, socio-economic levels, and races/ethnicities, Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native children are the most likely to be in grandfamilies. The way our country determines the quality and level of support for families is unjust – decisions are based on grandfamilies’ characteristics instead of a child’s needs, and services are too often obsolete. This must change.
In December 2021, Generations United, a nonprofit that strengthens practices and policies to benefit all generations, released its annual State of Grandfamilies report. The report, co-funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and titled “Reinforcing a Strong Foundation: Equitable Supports for Basic Needs of Grandfamilies,” highlights specific inequities in systems and services like Medicaid, TANF, health care, housing, education, and more.
Read stories from real grandfamilies across the country about their experiences of trying to access basic needs like decent health care, safe housing, and quality education at the links below, which are also included in Generations United’s report.
Then visit Generations United’s website to learn more about changes policymakers can make to better support grandfamilies and help them thrive.
