Grandparents Raising Children With and Without a Developmental Disability

Abstract

This study compared two groups of grandparents, those who were raising grandchildren with a developmental disability, and those raising grandchildren without a developmental disability. Service use, depressive symptoms among grandparents and the impact of welfare reform are considered among other variables. Recommendations are made for the various service systems which impact upon these families. Issues for future research are also identified.

Key Words:

• Grandparents
• grandchildren
• developmental disabilities
• welfare reform
• depression
• kin caregivers