Understanding Mental Health in Grandparent Care
The Research we undertook in 2009 revealed that psychological or behavioural problems were most common where child abuse (69%), neglect (66%), domestic violence (64%), abandonment (62%) or mental illness (61%) were the reasons why the children came into grandparent care.
Of the families surveyed, 52% of the children in grandparent care also suffered from psychological disabilities or behavioural problems.
It also showed that 34% of children with physical difficulties also had psychological disabilities or mental health problems due to causes that varied widely from autism, ADHD, ADD through to dyslexia, dispraxia or conduct and attachment disorders.
For many grandparents among the greatest difficulties is getting a proper diagnosis and accessing therapy and help for their grandchild.
The following links provide helpful information for grandparent caregivers dealing with mental health issues with their grandchildren.
The Mental Health Foundation
The MHF website provides an excellent online resource for caregivers looking for help with their grandchild including an A to Z of mental health conditions.
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