American Indian Grand-Families: Trauma and Services |
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| Authors: | Lisa G Byers Jedediah E Bragg Ricky T Muñoz |
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| Institution: | 1. Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work, University of Oklahoma, Center for Social Justice, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA;2. Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work, University of Oklahoma, Center of Applied Research for Nonprofit Organizations, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA |
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| Abstract: | Since the United States Census Bureau began collecting data regarding grandparents raising their grandchildren, the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population has had the highest proportion of families led by grandparents as the primary caregivers of their grandchildren. Despite this, research into AI/AN grand-families is limited. To begin to fill this gap, this qualitative study of 49 AI/AN grandparents raising grand-families (GFs) was conducted in an urban area with one of the highest AI/AN populations in the United States. Results indicated that loss and trauma within the middle generation is a central theme for GF formation. Such GFs also reported using a variety of services spanning state, tribal, and urban AI/AN programs, with educational support as a primary need articulated for their grandchildren. Surprisingly, enculturation was not mentioned as a primary driver of GF formulation. The study suggests a need for further exploration of the needs of urban-based AI/AN GFs, and that service providers must be aware of such issues when working with AI/AN GFs. |
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| Keywords: | American Indian grandparents multigenerational families Native American trauma tribal services |
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