UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Six percent of the nation's children live in a grandparent-headed household. Whatever the reason and situation, these grandparents often face a host of obstacles, from financial difficulties to legal problems involving child care when one doesn't have legal custody.

To support these families and help them navigate through their unique set of emotional, legal and daily living challenges, Penn State Cooperative Extension and AARP developed a web-based directory of helpful groups and organizations.

"One in 10 grandparents has been the primary support of a grandchild at some time in their life," says Matt Kaplan, associate professor of intergenerational programs and aging. "The number of these families has really increased in recent years, both in Pennsylvania and across the nation."

Many factors contribute to the trend, Kaplan explains, including increasing drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, incarceration and divorce.

Often grandparents unexpectedly find themselves in the position of raising a second family with limited community support. Organizations and groups have emerged to support them, but the families often aren't aware of them.

The directory is located on the web at http://AgExtEd.cas.psu.edu/FCS/mk/grg.html. It currently contains information on 98 groups and organizations. Organizations that provide resources for grandparents raising grandchildren can submit information online to be included in the directory.

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EDITORS: Matthew Kaplan can be reached at 814-863-7871.

Contact:

Kim Dionis kdionis@psu.edu 814-863-2703 814-865-1068 fax