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State of Grandfamilies 2021: Reinforcing a Strong Foundation: Equitable Supports for Basic Needs of Grandfamilies.
Generations United.
Public Policy Report
86 p.
Copyright
Published: December 9, 2021
Generations United
1331 H Street NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 202-289-3979
Fax: 202-289-3952
gu@gu.org
Available From:http://ipath.gu.org/
Sponsoring Organization: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Download: https://www.gu.org/app/uploads/2021/12/2021-Grandfamilies-Report-Release.pdf
This report explains there are 2.6 million children in the United States who are living with extended family, inside or outside the child welfare system because their parents cannot care for them. The benefits of grandfamilies are described, as well as the needs of grandfamilies, and inequities faced by grandfamilies. An overview is provided of critical services and supports that contribute to success and positive outcomes for grandfamilies, along with examples of inequities associated with each. Services profiled include outreach, information and referral, and navigation, case management and service coordination, education and as training for kin caregivers and the children they raise, legal services, support groups, employer supports, financial supports, housing supports, child care and respite care, physical and mental health care, food and nutrition programs, and discounts and commodities. Characteristics influencing access to key services and supports are identified, and key facts and findings relating to grandfamilies are shared and indicate: 137,356 children in foster care are being raised by relatives; the percentage of children in foster care being raised by relatives has risen 8% from 26% in 2010 to nearly 34% in 2020; the majority of kinship foster parents are not fully licensed; and Black/African American, American Indian, and Alaska Native children are more likely to live in grandfamilies than the general population. The report closes with federal policy, State, and local practice and research recommendations. Profiles of the National Technical Center on Grandfamilies and Kinship Families and of successful caregivers and programs are provided. Appendices include a State-by-State chart of the number of children in kinship care.
Keywords:
GRANDPARENTS; FOSTER GRANDPARENTS; KINSHIP CARE; ADOPTION; FOSTER CARE; DATA ANALYSIS; OUTCOMES; STATISTICS; PUBLIC HOUSING; POVERTY; FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE; RACIAL DISPARITY; COVID-19; DISASTER RESPONSE; GUIDELINES