Grandparents becoming guardians of grandchildren

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – More grandma’s and grandpa’s are becoming the guardians of their grandchildren.

A big reason for this is the biological mom or dad are addicted to opioids or have passed away.

Mike Fitzpatrick got custody of his granddaughter shortly after she was born.

“She was a baby that started her first two months of life in neonatal hospital in Louisville due to drug addiction,” said Mike Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick isn’t the only grandparent or relative taking on a guardian role.

Grandparents as Parents of Kentucky says there is an estimated 90,000 grandparents and relatives that are guardians in the state.

“We want these grandparents and relatives to realize they are not alone in this situation,” said Diana Doggett.

Fitzpatrick believes the state should be more involved and offer support to the guardians.

“We have to start looking at the grandparents as foster care parents. That’s going to allow those grandparents to get some supplemental support financially,” said Fitzpatrick.

Grandparents as Parents of Kentucky hosted a conference that gave grandparents and relatives resources they need to be successful.