Nursery World - Grandparents take over after drink or drugs

Grandparents are often the ones left caring for children when parents succumb to drug and alcohol misuse, according to a new report published by the charities Grandparents Plus and Adfam. Forgotten Families estimates that 200,000 grandparents have their grandchildren living with them, and parental substance abuse is a main reason for it. It highlights the problems they face, the current state of support provision and examples of good practice.

Forgotten Families estimates that 200,000 grandparents have their grandchildren living with them, and parental substance abuse is a main reason for it. It highlights the problems they face, the current state of support provision and examples of good practice.

Diana Whitworth, co-director of Grandparents Plus, said, 'It is outrageous that so many of them struggle with inadequate support. We hope that the Government will use this evidence to strengthen proposals in their Green Paper, Care Matters, to ensure that grandparent carers receive the recognition and support they need.'

Vivienne Evans, Adfam's chief executive, added, 'It isn't all bad news - we also found some excellent examples of family support groups and social services which provide specialist help and assessments for grandparents.'

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