Support for Grandfamilies: A Mosaic of Intervention Strategies

Abstract

The term grandfamilies refers to families with relative caregivers raising children. These families often face a host of emotional, legal, financial, and daily living challenges that require intervention at various levels. This article describes a web of programs, support systems, organizational structures, and social policies that can help grandfamilies thrive as reconstituted families. These intervention efforts provide emotional and instrumental support for family members, training for service providers, and guidance for interagency collaboration leading to more extensive and timely services for grandfamilies. These domains of intervention fit together as an integrated, multipronged continuum of support for grandfamilies.

KEYWORDS:

• grandfamilies
• continuum of support
• intervention strategies
• interagency collaboration
• advocacy

Notes

1. 1.The PowerPoint presentation, audio recordings, and training materials from a June 4, 2013, training can be accessed online at http://www.nrcpfc.org/teleconferences/2013-06-04.html