Increasing Number of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. An analysis from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that, in 2016, there were over 7.2 million grandparents nationwide living with grandchildren under the age of 18. Reports from media outlets and nonprofit organizations suggested that a recent rise in these arrangements is due in part to the opioid crisis. To get an accurate and better understanding of what is happening, the Census Bureau examined data from its American Community Survey and data on opioid prescribing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Previous research focused on the national or state level, but levels of opioid prescriptions vary widely within states, and county level data allow for a more localized analysis. Data analysis showed a rural-urban divide in grandparents caring for grandchildren that is similar to the higher rates of overdose deaths in rural areas. In 2016, 32 percent of grandparents were responsible for grandchildren in urban areas, compared to 46 percent of grandparents in rural areas. The Census Bureau created an overview of their analysis, with methods, maps and data. See frequently asked questions answered by the Administration for Children and Families on this topic and the Funding Opportunities section below for related resources.
