It is astounding how many grandparents are raising grandchildren around the world.
While there is a great deal of work to be done to provide support to these heroes, several resources can be considered.
Many people who read our previous article about grandparents raising grandchildren have reached out, inquiring about available resources. So, we have pulled together this initial list.
Major national (U.S. & Canada) resources
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Administration for Community Living (ACL) – “Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” initiative: includes tip sheets, legal/financial info, and coordination of kinship-care resources. ACL Administration for Community Living+1
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Annie E. Casey Foundation / Child Welfare Information Gateway – Provide tool-kits for kinship and grandfamily caregivers (for example: “Helping Grandparents and Other Relatives Raise Children”). Children’s Defense Fund+1
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Families Rising – Maintains a database of peer support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren in U.S. & Canada. Families Rising
Canadian-specific supports
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Parent Support Services Society of BC – For caregivers in British Columbia: support line, weekly “Support Circles” (peer groups), legal/advocacy info. Parent Support Services Society of BC+1
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The Canadian “Grandfamily / Kinship Support Group” by Reconciliation Resources – Focuses on grandparents/kinship caregivers in Canada offering monthly meetings, events, peer support. reconciliationresources.ca
Some local or organization-based support
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Duet Adult & Family Services (Arizona, U.S.) – Offers free services/support for grandparents raising grandchildren: legal guidance, support groups, workshops, help navigating kinship-care issues. Duet
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Publications by Colorado State University Extension – State-based fact sheets and practical info on grandparents raising grandchildren and kin caregivers. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
How to use these resources & tips
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Call the “support line” numbers when you feel stuck on legal or service-systems questions (e.g., guardianship, custody, benefits).
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Join peer support/“circle” groups: talking with others in similar situations can reduce isolation and provide practical coping ideas.
- Consider social media forums where you can network with other grandparents raising grandchildren. Sometimes, just hearing others stories can bring comfort knowing that you aren’t alone in this life altering endeavour.
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Use federal tool-kits and publications to build your knowledge (financial support eligibility, children’s services, navigating school/health).
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Check your province or state for kinship-care navigator programs or subsidies — many supports are administered at a local level.
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Keep a folder (digital or paper) of key documents: legal forms, guardianship/consent paperwork, medical records for grandchildren, budget tracking.
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Prioritize self-care: as a grandparent caregiver you’re likely juggling your own health or retirement plus raising children again.
