Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Did you know that there are more children in B.C. who are being raised by their grandparents than there are in foster care?
Children who are being raised by grandparents often have parents who are unable to care for them because of violence in the home or drug and/or alcohol misuse.
Grandparents raising grandchildren face many challenges as they take on the care of children at a time when they are expected to be easing into retirement. They are devoted to their grandchildren but they are often stretched emotionally, physically and financially. They worry about the future of the grandchildren when they are no longer there to care for them.
What people are saying about the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circle
We have been fostering our grandson since he was 3 years old, and now have full custody of him. Throughout this time, we were working with the Ministry who told us about the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circle. It has really helped us! People of our age, when you are raising a grandchild, you don’t have the same freedom most other people our age do: you can’t go out for dinner or do whatever you want whenever you want. Other people our age don’t have to worry about getting a sitter, or bringing a child everywhere they go. We felt like outsiders around people of our own age. Here, all these people are in the same boat as us, and we no longer feel alone. We are not the only ones.
It is amazing how many grandparents are actually raising a grandchild, and it is great to share stories with other grandparents. When we first started, people shared a lot of advice with us. There are several people who come regularly, and we have made lasting friendships. Before COVID-19, we used to get together for lunch, but now we stay in touch over the phone. It has been amazing for us, and we look forward to having the group start up again, soon.