Do you ever feel unseen as a grandparent or relative raising grandchildren—overlooked by the very systems meant to protect children? Have you discovered, the hard way, that the so-called “support” for kinship caregivers is riddled with gaps, bureaucracy, and outdated ideas? Are you constantly told that “family is enough,” even as you struggle for resources, support, and answers about trauma your grandchild has faced? The silence you endure, the love you give, and the hardship you shoulder—these are not small things, and you are not alone.
I’m Laura Brazan, and like you, I’ve lived through the shock of becoming the solution when the foster care system has no room and the policies don’t fit. After my own grandchildren came to live with me, I realized the reality: most “success” in child welfare is measured by closed cases, not by the nights you spend helping a child sleep without fear. It’s not easier because you’re family; if anything, the emotions and confusion cut deeper when the system turns away.
Welcome to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this podcast, you’ll find real talk—hard truths about why so many kinship families aren’t counted, supported, or even seen. We’ll bring in advocates and experts like Ali Caliendo, who challenge old assumptions and push for a new way of thinking: that every child unable to live with their parents deserves genuine support, and so do you. For more information about Dr. Ali Caliendo please visit her website (https://www.alicaliendo.com/) .
Together, we’ll ask better questions—about prevention, about real needs, about what it means not just to survive, but to help our grandchildren thrive. This is your community. Here, your story matters, your needs are valid, and your journey is honored. Let’s rewrite the narrative for kinship families, together—not in isolation, but as a force for change.
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Listener Mary from PA wrote in, who shared the raw truth of raising two teenagers without state support:
"As our retirement savings dwindles, we get no assistance besides Medicaid for them... All while fosters get so much more assistance for clothing, food at home, and cost of housing! These children deserve so much more!"
Join our Online Support Group starting October 7th.
We are done letting agencies profit off caregiver sacrifice while families go broke paying court fees. If you were bullied into taking custody without formal support, I need to hear from you. Share your story. (https://www.grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org/contact/)
I want to know how you’re doing. Is the podcast giving you what you need? What support are you missing most right now? Send me a Direct Message on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/grandparentspodcast/) or email me directly at laurabrazan@grandparents-raising-grandchildren.org. I read and reply to every message because this community is built on supporting each other!
Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.
We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.
Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grg
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