When family steps in: The joys and challenges of raising a relative's child

When a parent can’t care for a child, family members often step in. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings and close family friends become caregivers — sometimes with little preparation or support. They often face unexpected challenges navigating schools, healthcare, finances and the legal system.

Coming up at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about what these families need, how policies can better support them and what each of us can do to help.

And we want to hear from you, too.

If you were raised by a grandparent, aunt, uncle or another relative — or you’ve raised a relative’s child — what stands out to you about that experience? What were the joys and challenges?

Call us during the 9 a.m. hour at 651-227-6000 or 800-242-2828.

Guests:

• Donna Butts is the former executive director of Generations United, a national nonprofit that advocates for intergenerational strategies, policies and programs. She is also the author of the new book, “Grandfamilies: Stories of Children and the Loving Relatives Who Raise Them.”

• Janet Salo is a kinship navigator for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. She helps relatives and close family friends who are raising another person's child find and use financial, legal, medical, mental health and educational support.

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