Concerns and Supports of Grandfamilies Using Formal Services: Do They Have the Help They Need?

Abstract

The objective of this study was to discover the functional and psychosocial concerns of grandfamilies already receiving support services in their community, and to ask if they had the help they needed. Data were gathered from a convenience sample of 16 grandparents who were raising their grandchildren and were involved with a grandfamily support group or workshop. Results indicated that these grandparents experienced psychosocial concerns (i.e., child's emotional problems) and functional concerns (i.e., financial strain). Suggestions are included for further development of this measure as derived from the literature, service provider observation, and grandfamily perspectives.