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This qualitative study examined the family relationships of snowbirds. Interviews were conducted with 25 older adults from the Midwest who migrated seasonally to the Sunbelt. Snowbirds did not perceive their winter experience as having a negative impact on their families in any significant way. The vast majority of snowbirds expressed satisfaction with how well they maintained their intergenerational ties and holiday traditions with family while they were away. Grandchildren were very significant in the lives of snowbirds, and family change affected, but did not end, seasonal migration. Seasonal migration enhanced the opportunity for almost a fourth of the participants to spend time with children and grandchild living near their Sunbelt residence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we examine the different licensing and payment policies in the United States for kinship foster care and assess the potential impact of licensing policies on the likelihood that grandparents or other kin will become licensed as formal kinship foster care providers. With this information, discussion is presented that outlines possible barriers to formalized foster kinship care placement and identifies the need for changes in public policy that could lead to increased program access for kinship foster caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on the book "Empowering Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: A Training Manual for Group Leaders," by Carole B. Cox. Problems faced by grandparents in raising their grandchildren in the U.S.; Topics covered by the book; Advantage of using the book when dealing with grandparent caregivers or developing an educational program for grandparents.