Raising grandchildren is an American tradition that goes
back to our founding fathers. George and Martha Washington raised
grandchildren. In the past 25 years this phenomenon has increased
radically throughout the U. S. Since the 1990 census "grandfamilies"
have increased nationally by 53%
In Idaho, according to the 2000
Census, the percentage of grandparents raising grandchildren grew by
78.9% from 1990 to 2000. Idaho's rate of growth ranks third in
the nation, exceeded only by Utah and Nevada's 100% growth for the same
period. Today, more than 14,000 Idaho children are being raised
by grandparents.
Though grandparents raising
grandchildren are in all socio-economic levels, census data shows us
that they are 60% more likely to live in poverty than other
grandparents. Many grandparents spend down their retirement
savings, have to remain working or re-enter the workforce, mortgage
their homes and can get in real financial trouble in order to pay legal
fees or just to afford raising the children.
In April of 2002 the Area IV
Older Worker Office in Twin Falls reported that 35% of the older
workers applying for services were grandparents raising
grandchildren. Rural caregivers face additional challenges
related to accessing existing support programs. Idaho
grandparents and other kin raising the children of relatives need more
support for the important job they are doing and barriers need to be
removed. These caregivers are among the unsung heroes of our
generation.
Generations United has many
resources and information, including a web-based
financial literacy tool to
assist grandparents in educating their young kin.
Holly Player, Senior
Services Program Specialist, can be contacted at ICOA, (208) 334-3833, or
by email at hplayer@aging.idaho.gov
for more information about Grandparents As Parents.
Deedra Hunt, Senior
Services Program Specialist, can be contacted at ICOA, (208) 334-3833, or
by email at dhunt@aging.idaho.gov
for more information about Idaho's National Family Caregiver Support
Program.
Statistics
provided by the Idaho Kincare Coalition.
