Globally, grandparents often serve as surrogate parents for their grandchildren, usually in response to family crises and other sociopolitical issues (e.g., poverty, war, disease epidemics, and urban migration). Grandparents raising grandchildren are primarily responsible for all aspects of their grandchildren’s care. While some grandparents have a legal relationship to the grandchildren they are raising, many are caring for their grandchildren informally.

Grandparents raise their grandchildren for a variety of reasons. Most of these reasons reflect difficulties experienced by the grandchild’s parents, which prevent the parents from caring for their children.

Find a support system. Consider joining a support group for grandparents raising grandchildren. Meeting other people in similar situations can provide a valuable sense of community. Also, ask family, friends, neighbors, and professionals for help. They can be excellent sources of support and assistance.

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group is a great resource in the community for both the grandparents and grandchildren. Harnett County residents aged 55 or older raising a grandchild or great grandchild from birth to 18 years of age, may receive more information on the support group meeting dates and times by calling Marcie Wood 910-814-6075 or Mwood@harnett.org.