Different pathways to a common destiny:grandparent caregivers in the district of columbia.

Abstract

Nationwide, grandparents raising grandchildren is a growing phenomenon. In the District of Columbia, 19% of children under age 18 live in kincare-headed households. This compares to 8% nationally. This article reports on findings from an AARP focus group study of 40 grandparents raising grandchildren in the District of Columbia. It tells the stories of individuals who have traveled different pathways to arrive at their common destiny of being a grandparent caregiver. It primarily uses the voices of African American grandmothers and grandfathers to address the resources and challenges they face as they care for and care about their grandchildren. Through hearing their stories, AARP crafted nine recommendations aimed at improving the quality of life of District of Columbia grandparents raising grandchildren. The article reports on recommendations emerging from the research and reinforces the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to address the fragmented service delivery system. doi:10.1300/J045v22n03_13.