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Subject Characteristic:    Grandparents as Caregivers
Definition:   
The data on grandparents as caregivers were derived from answers to long-form questionnaire Item 19, which was asked of a sample of the population 15 years old and over. Data were collected on whether a grandchild lives in the household, whether the grandparent has responsibility for the basic needs of the grandchild, and the duration of that responsibility. Because of the very low number of people under 30 years old who are grandparents, data are only shown for people 30 years old and over.

Existence of a grandchild in the household. This was determined by a "Yes" answer to the sample question, "Does this person have any of his/her own grandchildren under the age of 18 living in this house or apartment?"

Responsibility for basic needs. This question determines if the grandparent is financially responsible for food, shelter, clothing, day care, etc. for any or all grandchildren living in the household.

Duration of responsibility. The answer refers to the grandchild for whom the grandparent has been responsible for the longest period of time. Duration categories ranged from less than 6 months to 5 years or more.

Comparability. These questions are new to Census 2000. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 mandated that the decennial census collect data on this subject.

Contact list: To obtain additional information on these and other Census 2000 subjects, see the list of Census 2000 Contacts on the Internet at http://www.census.gov/contacts/www/c-census2000.html.

Puerto Rico: Please note that for Census 2000, the definitions apply to both the United States and Puerto Rico, except where noted. For 1990 and earlier censuses, references on comparability refer only to the United States. Please refer to the appropriate technical documentation for Puerto Rico for comparability statements pertaining to 1990 and earlier censuses.

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