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“This is a reference book, a character-builder, a challenge and a friend.”

—Seniors Today


“Recommended.”

—Library Journal


“An invaluable toolkit for grandfamilies—practical and insightful. The book skillfully navigates the difficult terrain that new and experienced caregivers face. Sylvie de Toledo is a pioneer working on behalf of these families. The second edition shows that her passion and commitment haven't diminished, and presents policy changes and resources that grandparents should know about.”

—Donna M. Butts, Executive Director, Generations United


“With compassion, clarity, and wisdom, this book provides indispensable advice. The authors recognize the extraordinary challenges that grandparents confront in approaching parenthood for a second and unexpected time. Grandparents as Parents is a 'must read' that will benefit the whole family.”

—Andrew Bridge, Executive Director, Child Welfare Initiative; author of Hope's Boy: A Memoir

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Table of Contents

Introduction

I. When the Second Shift Arrives

1. Unplanned Parenthood: "Why Me?"

2. Taking Immediate Action

3. Your Lifestyle: Changed and Challenged

4. Family at Large: Your Spouse and Other Children

5. Your Adult Child

6. Your Troubled Grandchild

7. Your Grandchild and the School

8. The Drug Epidemic at Home

9. When Parents Get Their Children Back

II. Through the Red Tape

10. Grandparenting and the Law

11. Child Protection and the Dependency System

12. Government Aid and Public Assistance

13. Special Education and Early Intervention

III. Strength in Numbers

14. Their Arms about Us: Finding and Forming Support Groups

15. Conclusion

Appendix A. Resources for Grandparents and Relative Caregivers

Appendix B. Conversation Topics for Grandparent Support Groups

Appendix C. Poem: Thank You to the Relatives of The Crying Woman

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About the Authors

Sylvie de Toledo, LCSW, BCD, is Founder and Clinical Director of Grandparents As Parents, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California, and is a recognized expert on issues affecting grandparents and other relative caregivers. She has received awards and other honors from organizations including the Alliance for Children's Rights, the Southern California Psychiatric Society, the United States Senate's Special Committee on Aging, and the California Coalition of Relative Caregivers.

Deborah Edler Brown is an award-winning journalist and poet based in Los Angeles. She was a long-time reporter for Time magazine and has written for numerous other publications, including Psychiatric Times.

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Audience

Grandparents who are raising grandchildren; other kinship caregivers. Also of interest to mental health professionals.

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Previous editions published by Guilford:

First Edition, © 1995
ISBN: 9781572300200