Program focuses on grandparents who raise grandchildren

COLUMBUS – One in 10 grandparents has been the primary support of a grandchild at sometime in his or her life.

These grandparents face a range of difficulties, including legal and policy challenges. In most states, laws are not responsive to grandparents who wish to have more temporary or permanent rights.

The Senior Series Team, a collaborative effort of Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Department of Aging, is taking part in a national satellite video conference originating from University of Wisconsin-Extension Feb. 27 at the OSU Newark campus.

The program will explore the implications of various forms of custody, how to work with persons who provide services for grandchildren or the grandparents, and how some states have changed statutes.

Grandparents and service providers will learn about various forms of informal and formal custody arrangements, how laws and public policies impact custodial caregivers, how to consider ways to improve interaction with medical, school, legal and social services providers, and how to design and implement changes in legislation in their state.

The program includes a morning session and afternoon satellite broadcast that will include a panel discussion.

Participants will have opportunities to learn more about the Ohio Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Task Force and Ohio’s Kinship Care Services Program and call in questions to panel members in the television studio.

For more information or to register call OSU Extension Human Development and Family Science at 614-247-6047.