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Up until a decade ago, a "grandparent" was just something you were when your child had a child. It was instinctive and delightful - and you could send them home when you were ready to! Today, with people living longer, the demands of working parents, tough economic times, and mental health issues (such as drug addiction), the term "grandparents" has become "grandparenting" for many. The relationships are formal (custody through the courts) or informal, and place many burdens on seniors managing these families. School work, discipline and values sharing are hard enough when someone is in their 20-30-40s. Handling these as senior citizens can be downright difficult. In Alabama, 59,000 grandparents are fully responsible for raising their grandchildren.
The good news is Alabama is acting. In 2023, the Alabama House and Senate unanimously passed a bill - signed by the Governor - creating the Joint Interim Study Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Why does this matter? Because it bring the issue front and center and state resources and financial support are being directed to help Grandfamilies.
What can Alabama Cares provide? Our program, Grandparents as Parents, provides access to resources and support: support groups throughout South Alabama, information on legal issues (Guardianship and custody), health and well-being, benefits and connecting through community support. Let us know what we can do to assist you and your family.
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