Grandparent Caregivers

For relatives caring for children - Across the United States, there are approximately 6.0 million children being raised by their grandparents or other relatives. 4.5 million children are living in grandparent households. As the children's parents struggle with substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, economic hardship, divorce, domestic violence, and other challenges, these caregivers provide a vital safety net to children inside and outside of the foster care system. In Nebraska, there are 13,796 children living in grandparent headed households, with 8,321 children living there without either of their parents. Another 4,825 are living in households headed by other relatives.

Grandparents have always played a role in providing support to their children when they become parents. Taking responsibility as the primary caregiver for their grandchildren is becoming more and more common.

Grandparents and other relatives raising childen may experience: