By: Jamelia Hand MHS CADC CODP
When Mary answered the knock at her door late one evening, she wasn’t expecting to find a social worker holding her three-year-old grandson, Ethan. Mary’s daughter had been struggling with opioid use for years, but this was the first time it had spiraled to the point of legal intervention. The social worker explained that Ethan’s mother had been hospitalized after an overdose and there was no one else available to take him. With little time to process, Mary found herself stepping into the role of primary caregiver, something she hadn’t anticipated in her retirement.
Over the following weeks, Mary quickly learned that raising a grandchild came with a host of challenges she hadn’t faced as a parent. Financial concerns, navigating the legal process to gain custody, and addressing Ethan’s trauma from witnessing his mother’s struggles became her new normal. Mary’s story is one of many across the United States, where the opioid epidemic has shifted family dynamics and thrust grandparents into the caregiving role. These “grandfamilies” have become a vital safety net for children, but they often face unique challenges that require greater recognition and support.
The Growing Prevalence of Grandfamilies in the Opioid Crisis
Grandfamilies (households where grandparents raise grandchildren) are becoming increasingly common, particularly in states hit hardest by the opioid epidemic. As parental substance use and overdoses rise, grandparents often step in to prevent children from entering the foster care system, providing stability and care amidst family disruption.
Research highlights the scale of this issue:
• Every 15 minutes, a U.S. infant is born with opioid exposure (Honein et al., 2019).
• Between 2002 and 2017, the number of children living with a parent with opioid use disorder (OUD) increased by 30%, while the number living with an adult who misuses heroin rose by 200% (Bullinger and Wing, 2019).
• Children impacted by parental opioid misuse are at significantly higher risk for maltreatment, removal from their parents, and temporary placement with alternative caregivers (Radel et al., 2018).
Grandparents like Mary are stepping into these roles in growing numbers, shouldering the emotional, financial, and legal responsibilities of caregiving. While their presence offers children much-needed stability, it also introduces unique challenges that require attention and support.
Common Themes in Grandfamilies
Grandfamilies face a complex web of challenges. These themes frequently emerge in households where grandparents are primary caregivers:
1. Emotional Complexity
Grandparents often balance grief over their adult child’s struggles with substance use while finding joy in raising their grandchildren. This duality can be emotionally overwhelming.
2. Financial Strain
Many grandparents live on fixed incomes, making it difficult to cover the costs of raising children, including food, clothing, medical care, and education.
3. Health Challenges
Aging caregivers may struggle with physical and mental health concerns, adding to the stress of managing day-to-day caregiving responsibilities.
4. Legal and Custodial Barriers
Securing custody or guardianship can be a lengthy and complicated process, often requiring legal expertise and financial resources.
5. Social Isolation
Grandparents raising grandchildren may feel disconnected from their peers, whose lives often center on retirement or other pursuits, leaving them without a strong support network.
6. Childhood Trauma
Children in grandfamilies often carry the emotional weight of parental substance use, including witnessing overdoses or being removed from their parents. This trauma can manifest in behavioral, emotional, or academic challenges.
Practical Tips for Grandfamilies
Despite the challenges, there are strategies and resources that can help grandparents navigate their new caregiving roles:
1. Seek Legal Guidance
Contact local legal aid organizations to assist with custody or guardianship issues. Pro bono services are often available for grandparents in these situations.
2. Access Financial Support
Explore assistance programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid to alleviate financial burdens.
3. Address Trauma Early
Enroll children in trauma-informed therapy or counseling to help them process their experiences and build resilience.
4. Join Support Groups
Connect with other grandparents raising grandchildren through local or online support groups. Sharing experiences can provide emotional relief and practical advice.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
Take time for regular health checkups and engage in stress-relief activities. Seek respite care when possible to avoid burnout.
6. Use Educational Resources
Take advantage of programs like Head Start or school-based counseling services to support children’s academic and emotional needs.
Resources for Grandfamilies
1. Generations United
Offers advocacy, resources, and support for grandparents raising grandchildren.
2. AARP Grandparenting Resources
Provides guidance and tools specifically for grandparents navigating caregiving roles.
3. National Kinship Navigator Program
Connects families with local resources, financial aid, and legal support.
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Provides resources on trauma-informed care and mental health services for families impacted by substance use.
5. Local Community Support Agencies
Many nonprofit organizations offer legal assistance, counseling, and financial resources tailored to grandfamilies.
Supporting Grandfamilies Amid the Opioid Crisis
Grandfamilies like Mary’s are the unsung heroes of the opioid epidemic, stepping in to provide stability and love for children when their parents are unable to. However, their challenges are multifaceted and require coordinated support from healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations. Recognizing their essential role and addressing their unique needs is critical to ensuring both children and caregivers have the resources to thrive.
At Vantage Clinical Consulting, we are committed to supporting families impacted by the opioid crisis. Through education, advocacy, and resources, we aim to empower grandfamilies to navigate their caregiving journey with resilience and confidence. Together, we can build a future where every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment, no matter the circumstances.
About Jamelia Hand, CEO of Vantage Clinical Consulting LLC
Jamelia Hand is the CEO and founder of Vantage Clinical Consulting LLC, bringing over 20 years of expertise in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, mental health services, and harm reduction strategies. She is passionate about empowering families and communities affected by the opioid epidemic, offering tailored support and education to help them navigate their challenges. Jamelia’s mission is to create sustainable, compassionate solutions that ensure no family is left behind in the fight against addiction.
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