The purpose of this Commission is to be a resource to the Commonwealth on issues affecting grandparents raising grandchildren, and relatives, other than parents, raising kin. On July 8, 2008, the Child Advocate bill was signed into law which included the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (Section 1 of Chapter 176, the Acts of 2008 M.G.L. Chapter 3, section 69). This legislation calls for a permanent commission on the status of grandparents raising grandchildren which consists of 15 individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to grandparents.
Responsibilities
The Commission shall have the following responsibilities:
01
Foster unity among grandparents raising grandchildren and community support organizations by promoting cooperation, sharing information, and encouraging collaboration and joint activities.
02
Serve as a liaison between government and private interest groups with regard to matters of unique interest and concern to grandparents raising grandchildren in the Commonwealth.
03
Assess programs and practices in all state agencies as they affect grandparents raising grandchildren.
04
Advise executive and legislative bodies of the potential effect of proposed legislation on grandparents raising grandchildren.
05
Investigate the merits of a state agency dedicated to grandparents’ issues and determine how the agency would be set up.
06
Identify issues that are faced by relatives, other than parents, raising kin.
Our Mission
Mission Statement
The mission of The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is to provide information, resources, advocacy, and supports to grandparents raising grandchildren, relative caregivers, and service providers throughout the Commonwealth.
Commission Sub-Committees
The Commission has four sub-committees and an Advisory Board that meet to improve services and information for grandparents and relative caregivers throughout Massachusetts:
The Legal and Advocacy Sub-Committee
Reviews and advocates for legislation affecting grandparents raising grandchildren and works to expand access to legal resources.
The Support Group Sub-Committee
Focused on supporting 50+ support groups for grandparents and kin raising grandchildren through regular meetings, events, and trainings.
Friends of the Commission Sub-Committee
Established Massachusetts Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Inc. (Mass GRG), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting the Commission’s mission. Members are dedicated to fund and grow resources for grandfamilies across Massachusetts.
The Information and Outreach Sub-Committee
Focused on providing up-to-date, accurate information and resources for grandparents and relative caregivers.
The Advisory Board
The Advisory Board of the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (the Commission) is comprised of volunteers whose mission is to provide input, feedback, and support to the Commission on a variety of important issues impacting kinship caregivers throughout Massachusetts. Advisory Board members include grandparents and relative caregivers, service providers, and other interested and invested community partners. For more information about the Advisory Board, or to get involved, please send us an email.
Awards & Honors
John Lepper Advocacy Award
John Lepper Advocacy Award Winners
2024: Representative Paul Donato, Senator Julian Cyr, Lynn Girton and those who testified and/or submitted written testimony in favor of the College Tuition and Fee Waiver Bill
2023: Joanne Peterson Learn to Cope
Friends of the Commission Award
Friends of the Commission Award Winners
2024: Riverside Trauma
2023: Lasagna Love
Harriet Jackson-Lyons Award
Harriet Jackson-Lyons Award Winners
2024: The Plymouth GRG Support Group
2023: Carmen Robles Grandmother
Words of Inspiration
Raising a grandchild or a relative’s child is not easy—what you are doing matters on many levels. Hear from grandparents and kin caregivers who’ve walked this path—sharing encouragement, wisdom, and hope.
You're Not Alone
Advice from Grandparents
Do you want to request a meeting or presentation?
To request a meeting or presentation about the Commission, please contact us.