Ph.D. Sandra Thomas
Exploring the complicated choices grandparents, specifically grandmothers, make in regards to the permanent care of their grandchildren when the parents are unable to do the job, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren offers a great deal of insight into a common, but generally underrepresented, situation. The study, in particular, was designed to examine the grandmothers’ thoughts and feelings about their relationships with their substance abusing adult children. Additionally, the knowledge gained from these relationships was used to try to understand why these grandmothers take on the responsibility of caring for their grandchildren when their life plans may not have included this care-taking function at this current age or stage. Using real interviews and careful consideration of recent legislation, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren serves to educate all readers but will hold a greater appeal and effect with readers who are struggling through the situations and scenarios discussed in this text. Additionally, the text exposes a great deal of information that most family members are not offered when forced to make these tough, life-changing decisions that affect many generations.About the AuthorA native to Alabama, Sandra S. Thomas earned her Ph. D. in clinical social work from the Sanville Institute in Berkeley, California, and was inspired to write Grandparents Raising Grandchildren after closely working with families of abused children and her own personal experiences. In her free time, she enjoys reading, mentoring youth at her church, and playing board games with her friends and family. She is married with one son. 3
