Abstracts Category : Other

Exploring the Experience of Grandchildren in CustodialGrandparent Care

by Maura Kathleen Cole

Grandparent-headed families are a growing trend associal policy has moved increasingly toward kinship care forchildren in out-of-home placements. While much of the currentresearch focuses on the characteristics and potential causalfactors in the formation of such families, there has been littlequalitative research focusing on the lived experiences of theinvolved children. This study explores the subjective,meaning-making experiences of six latency-aged grandchildrenbetween the ages of 6 and 11 being raised by their grandparents.This study utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysismethodology, and semi-structured interviews, to attain the personalaccounts and experiences of these children. The findings arediscussed in terms of the perceived benefits and challenges forchildren being raised by grandparents, and the implications forprofessionals working with them.Advisors/Committee Members: Straus, Martha (Committee Chair).