GRANDPARENT GUARDIANSHIP PROJECT

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No family member can tell you more about how the world is changing and has changed than grandparents can. For some children, grandparents play a major role in their upbringing - whether it is in the "traditional" grandparent role or whether it is in situations in which grandparents are raising their grandchildren. These dedicated grandparents who have once again become primary caregivers are stepping forward to care for children whose own parents are unable or unwilling to do so–often at tremendous personal sacrifice.

Factors that account for the increase in grandparents and other relatives raising children are, alcohol and drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, unemployment, mental health problems, child abuse and/or neglect, death of a parent, incarceration, abandonment, or divorce.

Many grandparents and other relative caregivers are older individuals unexpectedly raising a second family without any extended family or community supports. Despite the stability and permanence grandparents and other relatives provide, children living in these families may be denied access to many of the services they need. These dedicated caregivers also face a range of difficulties. Tasks as simple as enrolling the children in school can pose insurmountable obstacles. Medical, educational and financial services may be difficult or impossible to obtain for children in their care. Many relative caregivers do not seek adoption, both because the process may be disruptive to their families and create animosity among family members or because they simply cannot afford it. However, opting for less permanent or informal arrangements may limit their rights as the child’s primary caregiver. Grandparents who care for grandchildren need legal authority for some aspects of caretaking. With guardianship, it is possible for grandparents to acquire rights and responsibilities that are similar, if not equal, to those of a parent. Guardianship does not terminate parental rights, but it does suspend them. Guardianship can be obtained through proper court procedures.

The GBLA Grandparent Guardianship Project is funded through Kern County Aging and Adult Services and is in collaboration with the Kern County Department of Human Services Kinship Center. The project will provide the following services to a grandparent meeting the proper criteria:

  • Counsel and advice with an attorney
  • Explanation of rights, duties, and obligations
  • Assistance with completion of court documents
  • Training for self representation or, direct representation and court appearances by an attorney
  • Other information and referral, as appropriate

The criteria for services under the project are as follows:
(All Categories must be answered YES)

  • Must be a grandparent or step-grandparent of a child, or a relative by blood or marriage
  • Must be 60 years of age or older
  • Must be living with the child
  • Must be primary caregiver of child because parents are unable or unwilling to serve as primary caregiver

For services or more information, please contact GBLA at (661) 325-5943.

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