University of Wisconsin - Extension

One in ten U.S. grandparents have been the primary support of a grandchild at some time in their lives. Currently, 6% of children live in a household headed by a grandparent.

Whatever the reason and situation, these grandparents face a range of difficulties, including legal and policy challenges.

Many organizations that provide services for both generations are not prepared to deal with the special needs and situations that occur when grandparents take on a primary caregiver role or want to assume a larger role in their grandchildren's lives.

Legal options are limited, emotionally draining, and financially expensive. Few attorneys are familiar with the relevant laws. In most states, statutes are not responsive to the evolving needs of grandparents who wish to have more temporary or permanent rights.

A national satellite video program originating from University of Wisconsin-Extension in Madison on Feb. 27 will examine some of the legal and policy issues that grandparents face and what their options may be. The program will look at ways of improving relationships with agencies and professionals who provide services to grandparents.

The three-hour program, "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Legal and Policy Issues," will be broadcast from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact your county Extension office.

"Almost all of us know a grandparent who is caring for a grandchild," says Mary Brintnall- Peterson, UW-Extension specialist on aging. "Even though it's a common situation, grandparents say they frequently face challenges in obtaining information and services. Their rights as grandparents are limited, especially for those who do not have formal custody."

The program will explore the implications of various forms of informal and formal custody arrangements, how laws and policies impact custodial caregivers, how states might design and implement changes in state laws, and ways to improve interaction between grandparents and professionals, including lawyers, health care providers, schools and social service providers.

The program is sponsored by UW-Extension Cooperative Extension, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, AARP, the Brookdale Foundation, Generations United, the Child Welfare League of America, and the National Association of State Units on Aging.

Again, for more information, contact your county Extension office.