NCJ Number
73414
Date Published
1980
Length
87 pages
Annotation
This report gives background and other information on 13 pilot foster grandparent programs involving families of neglected and abused children, youthful offenders, and deinstutionalized retarded or mentally ill children.
Abstract
Reports are presented on nine programs for abused and neglected children in Philadephia and Pittsburgh (Pa.) Kansas City, (Kans.); Denver (Colo.); Las Vegas (Nev.); Tampa, (Fla.); Portland, (Maine); Portland, (Oreg.); and St. Cloud, (Minn.). Information provided for each covers the background of the program, sources of referrals, character of the volunteers and what they contribute, training, effects of the program, and volunteer experiences. The volunteers, averaging 10 per program, are placed in the homes of client families for a certain amount of time each week and serve by keeping an eye on the family, acting as surrogate parents, and teaching parenting skills and family problem solving. Qualities sought in volunteers include nonjudgmental attitudes, physical stamina, emotional stability, personal warmth, and self-confidence. Similar kinds of information is provided for foster grandparent programs with youthful offenders and retarded or mentally ill children. Volunteers in the youthful offender programs and deinstitutionalization programs serve in detention centers, treatment facilities, and special high schools; programs are reported for Philadelphia; Ypsilanti, Mich.; Las Cruces, N. Mex.; and Kansas City, Kans. Deinstitutionalization programs are reported for Orlando, Fla.; Ellisville, Miss.; and Denver. In both program types, volunteers act as surrogate parents.