Grandparents raising grandchildren: Families in transition

Families in which grandparents are raising grandchildren (N = 38) were interviewed to explore the relationships between grandparents, their adult children and grandchildren. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using an instrument that included questions about family issues and factors affecting grandparent caregivers. Data was analyzed using QSR NUD*IST software for qualitative research. This study provides insight about three major themes: blended grandparent-parent roles, parent-child relationships, and collateral family relationships. Parent-child relationships were ongoing despite sometimes infrequent and sporadic contacts. Implications for social work practice include the need for an increased awareness of multiple family problems and the long-term influence of intergenerational family relationships.