GrandFamily Connection
Supporting Grandparents and Others
Raising Relative Children
It’s estimated that 6.5 million children in the U.S., or one in 12 children (8%), are living in relative-headed households. Of these, 2.4 million children, or 3.3% of the children in the United States, are living in relatives’ homes without either parent present. The 2000 Census Report indicated that 48,000 children were living with relatives in Minnesota, or 3.7% of Minnesota children. Of these, 19,000 children were living with relatives without either parent present. This represents 1.5% of all Minnesota children.
When suddenly thrust into the role of
parenting, grandparents and other relatives often have many questions:
- How do I get custody of the child?
- Is legal custody the best option?
- How can I get medical coverage for the
child?
- How can I help this child deal with
feelings about being raised by a relative?
Since the early 1990s, Lutheran Social
Service has provided support and education to grandparents and others who
are raising relative children. We serve in Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota
and Washington counties. Grandparents and others often take on this role
of parenting for the following reasons: drugs, mental illness,
incarceration, death, and child abuse or neglect related to drug addiction
and mental illness.
Our services include:
- Individual consultation
- Support
Groups that meet throughout the metro area
- Educational workshops about raising
relative children
- Recreational activities four times each
year
- GrandFamily
Connection Newsletter
-
Activity Registration Form
For more information, please call
612/879-5307.
