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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

J. Junker

Extended families have been around for generations, but a trend is growing within the last two decades: grandparents raising their grandchildren. On The Point, we discuss the emotional, financial and relationship challenges grandparents face, as well as the supports and services available. According to US Census figures, the number of American children being raised solely by grandparents doubled in the decade between 2000 and 2010. From 2.4 million to 4.9 million. While the majority of grandparents find great joy in parenting, there are numerous challenges when seniors find themselves unexpectedly raising another family.  Guests on the program are Kerry Bickford, Secretary of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (She is also raising two grandchildren with her husband Rick), Earl “Skip” Buck, commissioner with the State’s Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and just retired CEO of Family Continuity Inc. (Skip was also raised by his grandmother), and Connie Dilego, former commissioner, director of Elder Affairs for Plymouth and facilitator for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group in Plymouth. Mindy Todd, who with her husband Bob is also raising a grandchild, hosts.

 

 

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Mindy Todd is the host and producer of <i>The Point</i> on WCAI which examines critical issues for Cape Cod and the Islands. She brings more than 40 years of experience in radio and television to WCAI.