Struggle increases for Kentucky children, grandparents

Jul 21, 2011

U.S. Census figures have indicated a significant rise in the number of children being raised by individuals who are not their parents in Kentucky.

State officials noted that one of the primary contributing factors to this increase is a rise in substance abuse levels among adults, which has led many to be unable and unwilling to care for their children, who are then usually left with their grandparents or other relatives and in some cases, in foster care.

Economic troubles have also contributed to the issue.

According to the data, the number of children residing in households without their actual parents increased tenfold in many counties over the last ten years, with the highest rate seen in Owsley County where 21.6 percent of children are being raised by non-parents.

Only four Kentucky counties saw a decline in these numbers.

One of the goals outlined within the Center’s Agenda for a Better South is to ensure opportunities for residents of Southern states in ways that serve to promote the identification and reduction of disparities that stifle progress and growth in each state. This is an issue that must be addressed.