Grandmother Caregivers in Inner-City Latino Families

Abstract

SUMMARY This study presents a profile of 42 Latina (primarily Puerto Rican and Dominican) grandmothers, and the children they are rearing in New York City. Informal support systems of these families are then described. While most respondents appeared to have social connections, nearly half lived only with their grandchildren. Fourteen percent reported no available help with child-related activities and only 58% of those who had help felt confident that it would continue. Barriers to information, referrals, and use of additional services are discussed, as are implications for practice, policy, and further research.