The strategic intent of the GrandFamily Resource Centers, created by the South Carolina State Library in partnership with public libraries in South Carolina, is to create one location in a community where resources for Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren can be housed. It is important that this be more than a collection of resources but also that a collection provides the personal support and related programs to the clients as they come to look for information. Grandparents are stepping in to parent again when there are no other options. There is no reason to lose a whole generation of children especially when there are resources in a community to assist. There is an important need in this state. The numbers are on the rise. GrandFamily Resource Centers are built on a successful model which can provide resources and support to enhance the lives of grandparent-headed families.

“Each year, more and more grandparents from all geographic areas, socio-economic and ethnic groups are becoming primary caregivers for their grandchildren. As the children's parents struggle with substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, economic hardship, divorce, domestic violence, and other challenges, grandparents are providing a vital safety net to children inside and outside of the foster care system.” Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in South Carolina Report from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging.

The National Center on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is located at Georgia State University. Their aim is to “support grandparent-headed families in order that they may secure a promising future for their grandchildren.” The GrandFamily Resource Centers located in South Carolina public libraries serve the same purpose. We hope to support those who need kinship care resources and support, and build a network for grandparents raising their grandchildren across the state.

There are many resources for grandparents raising their grandchildren. Whether you are a grandparent or someone providing support or resources, here are a few guides that can help you get started.

Information for South Carolinians

Some of the following documents require a PDF viewer:

• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in South Carolina Report from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging.
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: A Call To Action from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in partnership with the Administration on Aging (AoA) in Region IV.
• Commitment to Kin: Elements of a support and service system for kinship care Programs from the Casey Family Programs.