According to Jan Doody, Parent Educator & Grandparent Resource Coordinator at The United Arc, it is estimated that there are over 150 families in Franklin County in which an older relative is raising a child. Grandparents are often called upon to bring a grandchild into their home when the child’s parents are not able to

I have been involved with the “Grandparents’ Group” hosted by Valuing Our Children in Athol, Massachusetts for approximately a year and a half now. My affiliation with these fine people began in March of 2018 when I was called upon to take custody of my two granddaughters due to my daughter’s troubles with opiate abuse:

Caregiver grants from LifePath offer caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren under the age of 18 an opportunity to refresh and renew away from their caregiving and childrearing responsibilities.

Caregivers have used these grants to pay someone (a family member, friend or neighbor) to provide them with in-home respite so they can rest; take a class; visit