Transcript An introduction to the website: Grandparents Raising Grand

An introduction to the website:
Grandparents Raising
Grandchildren Online Support
http://www.ext.colostate.edu
Colorado Grandparents
Raising Grandchildren
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Custodial grandparents increased by 73% in
Colorado, compared to 30% nationally during
the same time period of 10 years
75% of grandparents are under the age of 60
53% are white and 34% Hispanic
13% live in poverty
Colorado Children of Grandfamilies
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51,325 children live in grandparent headed
households
Another 19,230 children live with households
headed by other
Of these children 28,185 live in household
without either parent present
Definition of Grandfamily
The term “Grandfamilies” refers to families
where the grandparent(s) or other relative(s)
is raising a child and may or may not have a
legal relationship to the child who is related
by blood, marriage or adoption. Also known
as “Kinship Care”, “Kincare”, and “Relative
Care”.
Grandparents Step In When. . .
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Substance abuse
Incarceration
Child abuse or neglect
Divorce or illness
Employment issues
Family Violence
Death
Costs of Caregiving
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Financial strain
Stress, isolation and loneliness
Grief, guilt, anger and resentment
Increased health risk for caregivers
Role shift
Challenges of Caregiving
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Deal with difficult legal issues
Struggle accessing community services
Tested by emotional and behavioral problems
of children in their care
Literature Review Shows . . .
Hayslip and Kaminski 2005
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Social support is critical in protecting against
depression, isolation from friends, role
overload and confusion, marital and life
disruptions .
Grandparents raising grandchildren often “fall
through the cracks” of agencies and
programs.”
In Colorado . . . .
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Grassroots efforts have resulted in the
creation of support groups for grandparents
raising grandchildren
Some support groups have grown to become
successful programs, others have disbanded
No state agency connects grandparents to
each other and to relevant resources in such
a unique and innovative way.
Research Suggests . .
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Computer-mediated communication for older
adults leads to an increase in face-to-face
attendance at meetings overtime
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Smyth & Kwon, 2004
Older adults log online and surfed the web
more than younger persons
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Morrell, Mayhorn, & Echt, 2004
Purpose
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To create an online program for Colorado
grandparents raising grandchildren through
which reliable and current research based
information can be shared.
To provide an avenue to empower and unite
grandparents who may feel isolated, invisible,
or overwhelmed.
Website Designed for . . .
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Grandparents
Kinship caregivers
Service Providers
Extension Agents
Educators
What Will I Find at?
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Blog
Local Support Group Information
Starting a Support Group in Your Community
Colorado State University Resources
Extension Publications
Other Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Discussion Board (under construction)
Blog
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Information on a topic
will be posted by
Extension or University
faculty. Grandparents
can comment on what
is posted or from other
people’s/peers
comments.
Support Groups
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This link provides information on Colorado
grandparent raising grandchildren and/or kinship
support groups.
A contact person is listed to provide further
information.
If you are aware of a support group in your
community that is not listed or if you start a new
support group, let us know. We also appreciate
updates in current listings.
Starting a Support Group
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Provides useful
information on how to
start a support group in
your community. If
you’re a member or
leader of an existing
support group you may
still find the information
helpful.
Colorado State University’s
Resources
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Here you will find links to resources and services at
Colorado State University that work in a field related
to the issues grandfamilies face. Even though they
are located on campus in Fort Collins they may still
provide services to you/your group.
Extension Publications
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National Extension Publication
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Cooperative Extension’s Educational Responses to
Relative Caregivers’ Needs and Concerns: State and
Local Networks and Resource List
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State Extension Publications
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The resource link is 20 pages and the entire resource can
be printed as a PDF or you can select the specific
information.
Publications from several different state Land Grant
University Extension systems'
Newsletters
Other Resources
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This link provides
information about
agencies, programs
and organizations with
resources or services to
support grandfamilies.
Four separate links:
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Assistance & Benefits
Health
Human & Aging
Legal
Frequently Asked Questions
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Benefits and Assistance
Child Support
Legal
Parenting
Self-Care
More subject areas and
Q & A’s to come in the
future
Answer Link
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The Answer Link logo makes for ease in
submitting a new question
Website visitors may also link will to the
resources for all program areas that Colorado
State University Extension offers
Discussion Board
(under construction)
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Here you can pose a
question, provide
information on a
resource, or share your
experiences.
Anyone who visits the
website can read your
message and choose
to post a return
message.
Evaluation
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Google Analytics
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Visitors
Time on site
Pages/Visit
New Visits
Student Voice
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Initiate 3 months after rollout
Survey of web users
Demographic, Background and Program Evaluation
Marketing Tools
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Brochure
One Page Flyer
News Release
E-mail Blasts
Power Point Presentation
Conclusion
Questions?
Comments?