www.raisingyourgrandchildren.com
Grandparents adopting grandchildren is not as common as those who raise their grandchildren as legal custodians or guardians. Terminology and definitions defer among states.
Recently I received an email through our main website from a young woman, Bethany. Her grandparents had adopted her. Bethany would like her story told. To Bethany, you are a fortunate young woman to have things work out for you the way they have. Reading your story made my heart smile.
Here is her story:
“I was adopted by my grandparents when I was 14. They had raised me since I was 6 and also from birth to about the age of 3. We (my mother, stepfather (who adopted me at age 3), grandma, grandpa, and myself) decided that the adoption was the best option for us. I was able to collect social security off my retired grandpa, be covered on their very good insurance that was a 100% improvement from MA, and get many more grants/scholarships when I went to college because I was listed as an independent student because my parents were retired. I also was able to finally legally have a home, which meant the world to me. My mother was in and out of trouble and my half sisters were often put in foster care. My grandparents were warned that if my mother made any complaints they might have to move me into foster care since they did not have any legal rights over me. When we started the adoption my court appointed guardian said I would never be able to see my mom again. This really upset my family and me because this was an open adoption and not the way we wanted things. Basically we all wanted this because of the financial and medical benefits my retired grandparents could get for me and for the peace of mind it gave us. No relationships ended in my family. I still see my mother and sisters. I still call my mother "mom" although we both truly know we are more like friends and my grandma is in all reality my "mom." I guess I just thought this was something you may want to think about for your website. Thanks so much for your time and putting this website together to help others.”
