HI HCR14

Urges provision of orientation and additional training for state agency case workers to better address issues faced by grandparents raising grandchildren.

References findings from the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Task Force showing frustration between Department of Human Services (DHS) case workers and grandparents, including concerns about lack of understanding of DHS roles, grandparents feeling intimidated, and absence of emotional support.

Identifies specific problems: little or no understanding of DHS case worker roles by grandparents, grandparents fearful of losing their grandchildren, lack of respect shown by case workers for grandparent/grandchild relationships, and no emotional support provided by DHS case workers.

Committee on Human Services recommends additional training and orientation as critical to alleviating frustration on both grandparents' and DHS case workers' sides.

Referred to the Committee on Finance.