We are pleased to help share the important research on grandfamilies from our honored GRANDPartner for GRANDParents, Generations United.
Their 2016 State of Grandfamilies report, Raising the Children of the Opioid Epidemic: Solutions and Support for Grandfamilies, is now available.
- Alcohol and drug use are the most common reasons for removing children from their homes, next to neglect.
- More than 1/3 of all children placed in foster care because of parental alcohol or drug use are placed with relatives.
- The percentage of children in foster care with relatives has increased from 24% in 2008 to 29% in 2014.
- The vast majority of children being raised by relatives are being cared for in grandfamilies outside of the foster care system.
- For every child in foster care with relatives, there are 20 children being raised by grandparents or other relatives outside of the formal foster care system.
Download the full report to learn more.
About Generations United
For nearly three decades, Generations United has been the catalyst for policies and practices stimulating cooperation and collaboration among generations, evoking the vibrancy, energy and sheer productivity that result when people of all ages come together. We believe that we can only be successful in the face of our complex future if generational diversity is regarded as a national asset and fully leveraged. Generations United tackles current issues from an intergenerational perspective, conducting signature research, producing reports that analyze issues and articulate clear recommendations, and providing expert commentary and personal stories. Generations United also serves as a watchdog for perceived intergenerational conflict, championing a unified framework and adding important context to national debates.
Our National Center on Grandfamilies is a leading voice for issues affecting families headed by grandparents and other relatives raising awareness about the strengths and needs of the families and advancing public policies and supports for these families. Our Best Intergenerational Community Awards recognize communities that are effectively engaging, serving, and honoring all generations as they advance policies and practices that stimulate cooperation and collaboration. We champion promising, effective, and innovative intergenerational practices through our Program of Distinction designation. Generations United’s National Center on Intergenerational Shared Sites promotes the development of intergenerational centers serving young and old in a single location – by providing resources and tracking new models. We provide workshops, trainings, and webinars on intergenerational issues and opportunities and publishes a variety of high-quality materials all available for free on our website www.gu.org.
