GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN: THE COMPLEXITY OF A SIMPLE LABEL.

This narrative considers the story of a family bearing the label of "grandparents raising grandchildren." The authors argue that families bearing this label are quite complex with regard to their circumstances, roles of family members, and issues of race, class, and gender. Policy makers, social services providers, and educational institutions must become aware of the numerous complexities these families present in order to provide supports and resources both through child welfare and other social service institutions. Additionally, the circumstances and complexities of these families must be considered within the dominant political discourse over family and family policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]