Grandparent Caregiver Resource Center

GCRC Logo
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
2625 Zanker Rd., Suite 200, San Jose, CA 95134-2107
Phone: (408) 325-5164 | Fax: (408) 944-0275

Our Mission | The Facts | The Challenges | How We Can Help

The Grandparent Caregiver Resource Center's mission is to strengthen and support grandparent- and other relative-headed families in Santa Clara County so that they can provide safe and secure homes for the children in their care.

According to the 2000 US Census, 11% of the children in Santa Clara County are living in the homes of their grandparents or other relatives. Statewide, the number of children reaches 953,557 (an increase of 50% since 1990), and 5.4 million nationally (an increase of 30% since 1990). The reasons for the drastic increase in "kinship care" families include substance abuse, death or incarceration of the child's parent, teen pregnancy, divorce, and HIV/AIDS. In all cultures and all regions, unprecedented numbers of relatives are stepping in to raise grandchildren, nieces, nephews, younger brothers and sisters, and other kin whose parents can no longer care for them.

The best place for children whose birth parents cannot care for them is usually with other family members—with familiar faces in familiar homes in familiar neighborhoods. Keeping brothers and sisters together also helps families remain intact.

Unfortunately, many grandparent and relative caregivers are overwhelmed by the complex financial, emotional, and legal concerns associated with being substitute parents. In addition, many of the children in their care have special needs. Child welfare workers have found that kinship placements are much more likely to be successful if the caregivers receive support services. In order to keep families together, many relatives willingly assume the parenting role, but find that support and assistance are often lacking.

We at Catholic Charities understand the distinct needs of kinship care families. Our Grandparent Caregiver Resource Center was designed by grandparent caregivers to meet their highest priority needs. Our services are aimed at helping relatives do the best job they can to keep children connected to their families. We serve as a clearinghouse of information and resources for relative-headed families, and collaborate with other local agencies to provide these families with a comprehensive system of support services.

The Grandparent Caregiver Resource Center is sponsored by Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, Social Services Agency of the County of Santa Clara, Resources for Families and Communities, United Way Silicon Valley, Brookdale Foundation, City of San Jose’s Healthy Neighborhood Venture Fund, Nelson Fund, Council on Aging of Silicon Valley, and other contributors. Catholic Charities would like to express its sincere thanks to these sponsors and the generous individuals in our community who have made GCRC possible.

Last updated November 1, 2002