This book addresses the growing phenomenon of grandparents assuming responsibility for raising their grandchildren. Cox has assembled an impressive team of psychologists, social workers and nurses, as well as lawyers and sociologists. It is through their expertise we explore the grandparent-grandchild relationship and its intricacies. Lack of preparation, social isolation, psychological and emotional stress, and financial strain all contribute to the myriad of issues involved in this new wrinkle in the American family. Additional topics include: ethnicity and diversity, social services and interventions, and policy reforms. The book is of interest to all social workers and gerontologists working with custodial grandparents and their grandchildren.