WASHINGTON, DC—AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond today praised Congress for passing the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act (S. 1091) with bipartisan support.  

“The bipartisan Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA) and Representatives Peter King (R-NY) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) that passed today comes at critical time for the more than 2.6 million grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. This bill creates a federal advisory council that will serve as a much-needed centralized source of information and resources for grandparents.

“The number of grandparents raising their grandchildren will only continue to grow as our nation struggles with an ongoing opioid epidemic. These grandparents need information and assistance on issues dealing with legal custody, available social services, mental health counseling, and other vital programs.

“The federal advisory council will identify, promote, and disseminate information about this vital support and the resources available to help grandparents create and maintain a stable home environment for their grandchildren so that they can thrive.”   

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.