Grandparents' and social workers' experiences with the child welfare system: A case for mutual resources

The objective of this study was to explore the circumstances under which grandparents and child welfare workers have contact with each other, as well as factors that contribute to positive working relationships between them. Data were gathered from 63 grandparents whose grandchild was receiving service from a child welfare agency, as well as from 21 social workers. Grandparents and social workers came into contact under 5 different circumstances. Factors contributing to positive relationships included the provision of emotional and material support, services, information, and a perception that the other was competent and caring. Relationships between grandparents and social workers can be viewed as an exchange of resources. Exchanges, however, cannot be separated from the concept of “power.”