Grandparents may suddenly become "parents again" when difficult family circumstances occur. Taking on the full time responsibility of raising grandchildren is a rewarding but challenging role. NIAAA offers help to grandparent caregivers age 60 and over with the following services:

 • Confidential information and individual guidance on benefits and services available for you and your grandchildren including financial help, respite, medical insurance, housing and other assistance.

 • Temporary respite care to provide a break from caregiving through licensed child care agencies.

 • Free workshops and programs on a variety of topics.

 • Support groups to offer time out from caregiving, gain support, share ideas and learn coping skills.

If you are interested in grandparent support services, please click here.
Copies of grandparent newsletters and publications can be found at:
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/RockfordCenter/Grandparents
www.state.il.us/aging/1news_pubs/grg_guidebook.pdf

In northwestern Illinois, 4,715 grandparents are raising their grandchildren because the parents of the children are ill, deceased, divorced, in prison, have abused the child, are unemployed, or otherwise unable to care for the child.

Grandparents raising grandchildren face many major challenges. Problems faced by grandchildren include separation, grief, loss of identity, fear, financial problems and school related issues. Behavioral problems and learning disabilities of children exposed to prenatal drug or alcohol abuse make parenting a second time around even more difficult.

In order to assist grandparents in their role, the following services are available in the community:

Grandparent Support Groups:
• Offer emotional support to grandparents raising grandchildren.
• Offer guidance and assistance with difficult and challenging situations.
• Provide fellowship and support in a safe environment.
• Provide coping skills and techniques for parenting.
• Help grandparents gain confidence and reduce stress.

For a list of Support Groups click here.

For other assistance and education information, click here.