Grandparents as Care Givers

Measure

Number of grandparents in Hall County and Georgia who serve as primary caregivers to their grandchildren, as provided by the 2000 U.S. Census.  Additional information includes the duration of the care given to grandchildren.

(Grandparents living with own grandchildren: Includes householders age 30 and over who live with their own grandchildren under age 18.  Responsibility for grandchildren is determined based on financial responsibility for food, shelter, clothing, day care, etc. for any or all grandchildren living in the household.)

Why is this indicator important?

According to the U.S. Census, the number of grandparents as primary caregivers to their grandchildren has risen each year. Legacy Link, an organization that provides reference information to caregivers, says that grandparents may become caregivers due to death of a parent, abandonment, parents who are in prison, substance abuse, unemployment, mental illness, divorce, teen pregnancy, violence in the family home, and many other reasons. When the care of a child is left to a grandparent, many issues can arise, including financial, legal, health and the need for respite care. Knowing the number of grandparents in a community who are legal guardians to their grandchildren helps local organizations assist grandparents in this very important role.

The 2000 U.S. Census asked anyone 30 years or older if they live with their grandchildren, and if so, are they responsible for those grandchildren.

Of the 4,429 grandparents caring for their grandchildren in Hall County in 2008, 12.7% of them have cared for their grandchildren for 5 years or more, compared with 16.5% for the State.

Grandparents living with own grandchildren: Includes householders age 30 and over who live with their own grandchildren under age 18.  Responsibility for grandchildren is determined based on financial responsibility for food, shelter, clothing, day care, etc. for any or all grandchildren living in the household.

How are we doing in Hall County?

• Coming soon!

What does research tell us we can do to improve this indicator?

• Coming soon!