Central American Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Abstract

This study documents the prevalence and profile of Central American grandparents raising grandchildren in the United States of America. Using nationally representative data from the Census 2000 Supplementary Survey, Central American grandparent caregivers are compared with their noncare-giving peers. Results indicate that nationally an estimated 28,000 Central Americans were raising their grandchildren, representing approximately 1 in 20 Central Americans aged 45 and older. Caregiving grandparents were significantly younger and more likely to be married, to have not completed high school, and to be out of the labor force than were noncaregivers. Almost half of caregiving households were overcrowded and approximately a quarter were below the poverty line. Only 1% of caregivers who were living in poverty were accessing social assistance. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.