COMMUNITY INTERVENTIONS TO SUPPORT GRANDPARENT CAREGIVERS

Community interventions and service programs for grandparents raising grandchildren are being identified and tracked through the Brookdale G randparent Caregiver Information Project. Based on the first year's ex amination of 124 such programs, an overview of community intervention efforts is provided, with special attention to support groups and comp rehensive multi-service programs for grandparent caregivers. Lack of f unding and institutional support, and the consequent inability to prov ide child care, were among key obstacles faced, while sponsorship by h ealth and social service agencies often played a vital role in providi ng in-kind support and part-time professional staff.