Diversity Group ProjectDiversity Group Project

Grandparents Raising Grandparents Raising GrandchildrenGrandchildren

Social Work 1222Social Work 1222Presented ByPresented By

Ruby Gilmore, Sherryl Bohna, Ruby Gilmore, Sherryl Bohna, Da Wen, and Joanne BoleyDa Wen, and Joanne Boley

March 17March 17thth , 2006 , 2006

Introduction:Introduction: The grandparent-grandchild relationship can be beneficial for both The grandparent-grandchild relationship can be beneficial for both

grandparents and grandchildren. However when grandparents take grandparents and grandchildren. However when grandparents take responsibility for raising grandchildren, they can be presented with both responsibility for raising grandchildren, they can be presented with both challenges and problems. challenges and problems.

The households with only grandparents and grandchildren and no middle The households with only grandparents and grandchildren and no middle generation are called Skip-generational households; the households with at least generation are called Skip-generational households; the households with at least three generations are called three generations are called Mutigenerational households (Milan & Hamm, 2003, Mutigenerational households (Milan & Hamm, 2003, p.4)p.4)

Our presentation focuses on the skip-generational households. We will Our presentation focuses on the skip-generational households. We will explore the following areas of Canadian skip-generational households where explore the following areas of Canadian skip-generational households where grandparents raise their grandchildren: grandparents raise their grandchildren: DemographicsDemographics Culture and HistoryCulture and History Social Issues and ChallengesSocial Issues and Challenges Needs and Effective InterventionsNeeds and Effective Interventions

Population of Canadian Skip-generational FamiliesPopulation of Canadian Skip-generational Families

The Distribution Features of Skip-generational Families in CanadaThe Distribution Features of Skip-generational Families in Canada

The Current Trends of Canadian Skip-generational FamiliesThe Current Trends of Canadian Skip-generational Families

Demographics of Skip-generational Demographics of Skip-generational FamiliesFamilies

Population of Canadian Population of Canadian Skip-generational FamiliesSkip-generational Families

5.7million grandparents in Canada in 20015.7million grandparents in Canada in 2001

474,499 grandparents who shared households with their grandchildren 474,499 grandparents who shared households with their grandchildren including multigenerational and skip-generational families. including multigenerational and skip-generational families.

1% of grandparent who lived in skip-generational households in 2001 1% of grandparent who lived in skip-generational households in 2001 accounted for about 12% of the grandparents who shared households with accounted for about 12% of the grandparents who shared households with their children.their children.

Skip-generational grandparents in 2001 were 67% women and 50% were Skip-generational grandparents in 2001 were 67% women and 50% were married, and 46% were retired.married, and 46% were retired.

Average 2 children in each Skip-generational family and over 44% of children Average 2 children in each Skip-generational family and over 44% of children were aged 14 or under in these households.were aged 14 or under in these households.

(Spotlight: Grandparents, 2004(Spotlight: Grandparents, 2004))

The Distribution Features of The Distribution Features of Skip-generational Families in CanadaSkip-generational Families in Canada

Canadian Grandchildren in Skip-Generational HouseholdsCanadian Grandchildren in Skip-Generational Households

Newfoundland/Labrador Newfoundland/Labrador 0.7 0.7Prince Edward IslandPrince Edward Island 0.50.5Nova ScotiaNova Scotia 0.60.6New Brunswick New Brunswick 0.50.5QuebecQuebec 0.20.2OntarioOntario 0.30.3ManitobaManitoba 0.90.9SaskatchewanSaskatchewan 1.21.2AlbertaAlberta 0.60.6British ColumbiaBritish Columbia 0.50.5YukonYukon 0.50.5Northwest TerritoriesNorthwest Territories 1.31.3NunavutNunavut 2.32.3

((Milan & Hamm,2003, p.5)Milan & Hamm,2003, p.5)

The Current Trends of Canadian Skip-The Current Trends of Canadian Skip-generation Familiesgeneration Families

Between 1991 - 2001, there was a 20% increase in the number of Between 1991 - 2001, there was a 20% increase in the number of Canadian children under 18yrs old who were living with there Canadian children under 18yrs old who were living with there grandparents without a parent present In the home.  grandparents without a parent present In the home. 

(Fuller-Thompson, 2005, p.331)(Fuller-Thompson, 2005, p.331)

Culture and History In CanadaCulture and History In Canada

The Reasons Why Grandparents Raise Grandchildren in Skip-The Reasons Why Grandparents Raise Grandchildren in Skip-generational householdsgenerational households

Aboriginal Cultures and ValuesAboriginal Cultures and Values

Immigrant Cultures and ValuesImmigrant Cultures and Values

Social Norms and Social Roles Grandparents Take OnSocial Norms and Social Roles Grandparents Take On

The Reasons Why Grandparents Raise The Reasons Why Grandparents Raise Grandchildren in Skip-generation Grandchildren in Skip-generation

householdshouseholds Grandparents assume the caregiver’s role to grandchildren because of Grandparents assume the caregiver’s role to grandchildren because of the the

parents’ inability or unwillingness to care for their children. Possible reasons may parents’ inability or unwillingness to care for their children. Possible reasons may includeinclude : :

Substance abuseSubstance abuse Divorce or separationDivorce or separation Mental health problemsMental health problems Teen pregnancyTeen pregnancy Child abuse or neglect, Child abuse or neglect, Death of an adult childDeath of an adult child

(Grinstead,Leder,Jensen,& Bond, 2003,p.318)(Grinstead,Leder,Jensen,& Bond, 2003,p.318)

((

Aboriginal Cultures and ValuesAboriginal Cultures and Values

AboriginalAboriginal children aged 14 and under are more likely to live with children aged 14 and under are more likely to live with grandparents. In Nunavut, the proportion of children raised only by grandparents. In Nunavut, the proportion of children raised only by grandparents was more than five times the national average grandparents was more than five times the national average (Milan & (Milan & Hamm, 2003, p.4). Hamm, 2003, p.4).

Grandparents provide care in response to crisis, such as alcohol and Grandparents provide care in response to crisis, such as alcohol and drug addiction or imprisonment of the grandchildren’s parents drug addiction or imprisonment of the grandchildren’s parents ((Fuller -Fuller -Thomson,2005,p.333).Thomson,2005,p.333).

Weibel – Orlando (1997)Weibel – Orlando (1997) ,grandparents relish the role of “cultural ,grandparents relish the role of “cultural conservator” and actively seek out the opportunity to parent or co-conservator” and actively seek out the opportunity to parent or co-parent grandchildren in order to enhance children’s understanding of parent grandchildren in order to enhance children’s understanding of traditional ways and values traditional ways and values (as cited in Fuller -Thomsom,2005, p. 333).(as cited in Fuller -Thomsom,2005, p. 333).

Immigrant Cultures and ValuesImmigrant Cultures and Values

Our research found that with most immigrant families were Our research found that with most immigrant families were mutigenerational and not skip-generational families.mutigenerational and not skip-generational families.

Multigenerational households were more common among the Multigenerational households were more common among the

immigrant population, especially those from Asian countries immigrant population, especially those from Asian countries (Milan & (Milan & Hamm, 2003, p.4). Hamm, 2003, p.4).

Immigrants were twice as likely as the Canadian-born to live in Immigrants were twice as likely as the Canadian-born to live in multigenerational families multigenerational families (Milan & Hamm, 2003, p.4).(Milan & Hamm, 2003, p.4).

Milan & Hamm reported that immigrant multigenerational families Milan & Hamm reported that immigrant multigenerational families particularly from certain ethnic or cultural backgrounds, may experience particularly from certain ethnic or cultural backgrounds, may experience a clash in values between the traditional family ideals of the older a clash in values between the traditional family ideals of the older generation and the Western values that may have been adopted by the generation and the Western values that may have been adopted by the children children (2003, p.4).(2003, p.4).

Social Norms and ValuesSocial Norms and Values

To assist kin-children in their right to live in a stable, safe and secure To assist kin-children in their right to live in a stable, safe and secure environment with loving kin-families and not in foster homes with environment with loving kin-families and not in foster homes with

strangersstrangers (Cornelius,2004).(Cornelius,2004).

To provide kin-children encouragement, moral, emotional and practical To provide kin-children encouragement, moral, emotional and practical

supportsupport (Cornelius, 2004).(Cornelius, 2004).

Cohort difference for appropriating child-rearingCohort difference for appropriating child-rearing (Hayslip & Patrick, 2003, (Hayslip & Patrick, 2003, p.257).p.257).

Social Roles grandparents Take OnSocial Roles grandparents Take On   

Positive Roles:Positive Roles: Findings suggest that grandparents should be strongly encouraged to Findings suggest that grandparents should be strongly encouraged to

play a significant role as caregivers to their grandchildren. play a significant role as caregivers to their grandchildren. Custodial grandparents can help their grandchildren to move beyond Custodial grandparents can help their grandchildren to move beyond

experiences of rejection and loss.experiences of rejection and loss. Provide the role of physical and emotional care giver, as a consistent Provide the role of physical and emotional care giver, as a consistent

presence in the child’s lifepresence in the child’s life (Hayslip & Patrick, 2003,p.28).(Hayslip & Patrick, 2003,p.28).

Grandparents willingness to take in their grandchildren is a reflection Grandparents willingness to take in their grandchildren is a reflection

on the strong values and importance of familyon the strong values and importance of family (Stats.Canada, 2001).(Stats.Canada, 2001).

Social Roles Grandparents Take OnSocial Roles Grandparents Take On   

Negative RolesNegative Roles Angry over loss of freedom and futureAngry over loss of freedom and future Angry dealing with biological parentsAngry dealing with biological parents Fear of futureFear of future Sense this is not “my” job.Sense this is not “my” job.

(Hayslip & Patrick, 2002, p.61).(Hayslip & Patrick, 2002, p.61).

Social Issues and ChallengesSocial Issues and Challenges

Social Attitudes Towards Grandparents in Skip-Generation FamiliesSocial Attitudes Towards Grandparents in Skip-Generation Families

Social Problems Experienced by Grandparents in Skip-Generation Social Problems Experienced by Grandparents in Skip-Generation FamiliesFamilies

Social Attitudes Towards Grandparents in Social Attitudes Towards Grandparents in Skip-Generation FamiliesSkip-Generation Families

Financial plight of grandparent caregivers worsened by inequitable Financial plight of grandparent caregivers worsened by inequitable treatment by government agencies. Grandparents received only a treatment by government agencies. Grandparents received only a fraction of funds received by non kin foster caregivers.fraction of funds received by non kin foster caregivers.

Lack of access to legal, health, insurance and social security needs.Lack of access to legal, health, insurance and social security needs.

Less ability to obtain services from schools for remedial or behavioral Less ability to obtain services from schools for remedial or behavioral problems.problems.

(Grinstead,2003 p.319,321,322)(Grinstead,2003 p.319,321,322)

Social Problems Experienced by Social Problems Experienced by Grandparents in Skip-Generation FamiliesGrandparents in Skip-Generation Families

Grandparents raise grandchildren at high riskGrandparents raise grandchildren at high risk

Physical Problems---Physical Problems--- Age and physical concern that they would not live long enough to raise their grandchildrenAge and physical concern that they would not live long enough to raise their grandchildren (Kelley & (Kelley &

Yorker, 2001, p.27).Yorker, 2001, p.27).

Psychological Problems---Psychological Problems--- Exhaustion was a common mental health concern Exhaustion was a common mental health concern Stress was found to the strongest predictor of depression and self –assessed health problems Stress was found to the strongest predictor of depression and self –assessed health problems

(Grinstead,2003, p.319,321)(Grinstead,2003, p.319,321)..))

Financial Problems---Financial Problems--- Lack of access to financial and other resources was another major stressor for caregiving Lack of access to financial and other resources was another major stressor for caregiving

grandparents.grandparents. Grandparents families were more likely to live in poverty and no health insurance Grandparents families were more likely to live in poverty and no health insurance (Grinstead,2003, (Grinstead,2003,

p.321).p.321).. .

Social Problems Experienced Con’tSocial Problems Experienced Con’t

Legal Problems---Legal Problems--- Enrolling grandchildren in school, obtaining health insurance, medical Enrolling grandchildren in school, obtaining health insurance, medical

insurance or social security benefits can be difficult for grandparents insurance or social security benefits can be difficult for grandparents because of lack of legal documentation because of lack of legal documentation (Grinstead,2003 p.321).(Grinstead,2003 p.321).

..

Social Restrain ---Social Restrain --- Little time to spend socializing with peers.Time and financial restraints Little time to spend socializing with peers.Time and financial restraints

leave these grandparents unable to fulfill their retirement leave these grandparents unable to fulfill their retirement dreamsdreams(Grinstead,2003, p.319,321,322).(Grinstead,2003, p.319,321,322).

. .

Needs and Effective InterventionsNeeds and Effective Interventions

The General Attitudes of Grandparents in Skip-generational Families The General Attitudes of Grandparents in Skip-generational Families Toward HelpersToward Helpers

Grand Parents’ Needs In Skip-generational FamiliesGrand Parents’ Needs In Skip-generational Families

Effective Intervention Approaches for Social Workers Working with Effective Intervention Approaches for Social Workers Working with Skip-generational FamiliesSkip-generational Families

Spiritual Support to Grandparent FamiliesSpiritual Support to Grandparent Families

Resources are Available To Skip-generational FamiliesResources are Available To Skip-generational Families

The General Attitudes of Grandparents in Skip-The General Attitudes of Grandparents in Skip-generational Families Toward Helpersgenerational Families Toward Helpers

The greatest gift would be to hear ---“I know how much you The greatest gift would be to hear ---“I know how much you have lost” --- and to know that there are those in the service have lost” --- and to know that there are those in the service community and elsewhere who truly understand the sacrifices community and elsewhere who truly understand the sacrifices that have to be made when one assumes custody of a grandchildthat have to be made when one assumes custody of a grandchild ..

Caregiving grandparents are skeptical in participating in support Caregiving grandparents are skeptical in participating in support

groups.groups.

(Hayslip & Patrick 2003,p.65-70) (Hayslip & Patrick 2003,p.65-70)

Grand Parents’ Needs In Grand Parents’ Needs In Skip-generational FamiliesSkip-generational Families

Grandparents have diverse needs:Grandparents have diverse needs: Adequate daycare and other community services. Adequate daycare and other community services.

Access to healthcare, parenting classes.Access to healthcare, parenting classes.

Access to legal counseling.Access to legal counseling.

Access to respite care.Access to respite care.

Needs for more recognition and financial assistance.Needs for more recognition and financial assistance.

To involve grandchildren and other family members in services.To involve grandchildren and other family members in services.

(Hayslip & Patrick, 2002, p.84)(Hayslip & Patrick, 2002, p.84)

Intervention Approaches for Social Workers Intervention Approaches for Social Workers Working with Skip-generational FamiliesWorking with Skip-generational Families

Using strengths-based case management practicesUsing strengths-based case management practices Assessing family strengths Assessing family strengths Referring to other social resources: Daycares, Playgroups, Referring to other social resources: Daycares, Playgroups,

Grief Support Group, Community Programs…Grief Support Group, Community Programs… Developing an action plan for grandparent familiesDeveloping an action plan for grandparent families Initiating home visit Initiating home visit Access to legal and financial information servicesAccess to legal and financial information services

(Kelley & Yorker, 2001, p.27)(Kelley & Yorker, 2001, p.27)

    Spiritual Support to Grandparent FamiliesSpiritual Support to Grandparent Families

Our research limited us to information based upon a Judeo-Christian Our research limited us to information based upon a Judeo-Christian background:background:

Involvement with church members and prayer supplied caregivers with Involvement with church members and prayer supplied caregivers with solace and comfort. solace and comfort.

( Grinstead, 2003, p.321)( Grinstead, 2003, p.321)

Grandparents spoke of prayer as a coping strategy which provided Grandparents spoke of prayer as a coping strategy which provided them with strength when everything seemed hopeless and other them with strength when everything seemed hopeless and other support had failed. support had failed.

(Grinstead,2003, p.321)(Grinstead,2003, p.321)

Religions God’s presence in the daily lives of grandmothers’ brought Religions God’s presence in the daily lives of grandmothers’ brought strength and support.strength and support.

(Grinstead,2003, p.322)(Grinstead,2003, p.322)

Resource ChallengesResource Challenges

Inadequate external funding and institutional support Inadequate external funding and institutional support

Poor treatment from government agencies has been a financial fight Poor treatment from government agencies has been a financial fight

for grandparent caregiversfor grandparent caregivers (Grinstead, 2003 p.321).(Grinstead, 2003 p.321).

Foster caregivers and non-kin caregivers received more financial aid Foster caregivers and non-kin caregivers received more financial aid than grandparent caregivers. Lack of access of needed service was than grandparent caregivers. Lack of access of needed service was the reasoning the reasoning (Grinstead, 2003, p.321).(Grinstead, 2003, p.321).

Resources and AgenciesResources and AgenciesFor Grandparent FamiliesFor Grandparent Families

www.cangrands.comwww.cangrands.com

City of Calgary Community ResourcesCity of Calgary Community Resources

C. A. R. P.C. A. R. P. Canada’s Association for the Fifty Plus Canada’s Association for the Fifty Plus

Canadian Association of Retired PersonCanadian Association of Retired Person

Books Books Pilgrim Prayers for Grandmothers Raising GrandchildrenPilgrim Prayers for Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren Linda Holmes the Pilgrim Press 2002Linda Holmes the Pilgrim Press 2002 To Grandma’s House, We… Stay; When You Have to Stop To Grandma’s House, We… Stay; When You Have to Stop

Spoiling your Grandchildren and Raise Them Spoiling your Grandchildren and Raise Them Sally Houtman Sally Houtman Sudio 4 ProductionsSudio 4 Productions

Grandparents as Parents a survival Guide for Raising a Grandparents as Parents a survival Guide for Raising a Second Family, Second Family, Slyvia De Toledo Guilford Press 1995Slyvia De Toledo Guilford Press 1995

A Personal Response From Joanne’s FriendA Personal Response From Joanne’s Friend

Hi Joanne:Hi Joanne:

There doesn't seem to be anyone at the time that can help us with our grandchildren.There doesn't seem to be anyone at the time that can help us with our grandchildren.We don't get much help from their Dad, Now none since he lost his main job. We don't get much help from their Dad, Now none since he lost his main job.

none from their Mom who always wants to see them on their birthday, her birthday, Christmas, none from their Mom who always wants to see them on their birthday, her birthday, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. This I find frustrating. Easter and Thanksgiving. This I find frustrating. They don't really want to see her at all.They don't really want to see her at all.

Our dentist and staff are very supportive however this may not be the case now that Our dentist and staff are very supportive however this may not be the case now that Mark doesn't have them on his insurance since loss of job. I just found a doctor who is taking Mark doesn't have them on his insurance since loss of job. I just found a doctor who is taking new patients and made appointments.new patients and made appointments.

Most of the people in our church say we are great to do this. Our grandsons have Most of the people in our church say we are great to do this. Our grandsons have been turned against the catholic church by their mother and others in all the churches they been turned against the catholic church by their mother and others in all the churches they attended over the years. They attend church with us but don't like it. We cannot talk to them attended over the years. They attend church with us but don't like it. We cannot talk to them about religion.about religion.

We don't get much chance to go out and do anything fun but we realize that what we We don't get much chance to go out and do anything fun but we realize that what we are doing is very worthwhile. The kids are coming along nicely. are doing is very worthwhile. The kids are coming along nicely. Jeremy started work at Safeway's down on 8th street and 11th avenue s.w. I want him to start to Jeremy started work at Safeway's down on 8th street and 11th avenue s.w. I want him to start to save for college/university.save for college/university.

My mother is great. She is in assisted living is smart and gets around really well with My mother is great. She is in assisted living is smart and gets around really well with her walker. We try to visit her once a week. So that is an added burden. One which we do enjoy her walker. We try to visit her once a week. So that is an added burden. One which we do enjoy and love her very much.and love her very much.

Life is very busy and hectic. We also help all our other children when they need help Life is very busy and hectic. We also help all our other children when they need help with babysitting etc. I also have a lot of people for suppers which I enjoy.with babysitting etc. I also have a lot of people for suppers which I enjoy.

I wanted to get the boys into sports but they didn't want to. Josh took one series of I wanted to get the boys into sports but they didn't want to. Josh took one series of swimming lessons.swimming lessons.

I guess this is not as short as I thought it would be.I guess this is not as short as I thought it would be.Cheers! Cheers!

JoanJoan

ReferencesReferences1. Milan, A., & Hamm, B. (2003). 1. Milan, A., & Hamm, B. (2003). Across the generations: Grandparents Across the generations: Grandparents

and grandchildren. and grandchildren. Retrieved from Retrieved from Statistics Canada,Statistics Canada,March1,2006 fromMarch1,2006 from

   http://http://www.statcan.ca/english/kits/pdf/social/generations.pdfwww.statcan.ca/english/kits/pdf/social/generations.pdf

2. 2. Spotlight: Grandparents.Spotlight: Grandparents. Retrieved from Retrieved from Statistics Canada,Statistics Canada, March 1, March 1, 2006 from 2006 from http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/11-02http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/11-02--

04.htm04.htm

3. Kelley, S. J., & Yorker, B.C. (2001). A Multidimensional 3. Kelley, S. J., & Yorker, B.C. (2001). A Multidimensional Intervention for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Results Intervention for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Results

of an Exploratory Study.  of an Exploratory Study.  Journal of Child Welfare.Journal of Child Welfare. Retrieved March 1, 2006,from MRC database. Retrieved March 1, 2006,from MRC database.

4. Hayslip, B.,& Patrick, J. (Ed.). (2002). 4. Hayslip, B.,& Patrick, J. (Ed.). (2002). Working With Custodial Working With Custodial Grandparents. Grandparents. New York: Springer Publishing Company.New York: Springer Publishing Company.

ReferencesReferences5. Grinstead,L. N.,Leder, S., Jensen,S., & Bond, L. (2003). 5. Grinstead,L. N.,Leder, S., Jensen,S., & Bond, L. (2003). Integrative Integrative

Literature Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Literature Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Michigan:Blackwell.Michigan:Blackwell.

6. 6. Fuller-Thompson, E. (2005). Canadian First Nations Grandparents Fuller-Thompson, E. (2005). Canadian First Nations Grandparents

Raising Children: A Portrait of Resilience. Raising Children: A Portrait of Resilience. Aging and Human Aging and Human Development,Development, 60(4), 331-342. 60(4), 331-342.

7. Cornelius, B. (2004). Presentation for the Brockville Business Ladies 7. Cornelius, B. (2004). Presentation for the Brockville Business Ladies Luncheon. Retrieved March 13, 2006,from http://Luncheon. Retrieved March 13, 2006,from http://

www.cangrands.comwww.cangrands.com