Research Philosophy

 

The purpose of my research is to enhance social support and policies considering intergenerational families and other disadvantaged populations. My research to date has employed a variety of data sources and qualitative methodologies to address important social work and public policy questions. My scholarship applies creative and innovative research designs to galvanize substantive questions in social work, social policy, and nonprofit programming. My use of collaborative policy models, program planning & evaluation reports, and rigorous empirical research enables both methodological contributions and advances the social work and public administration professions.

 

The motivation for my research arises from my interactions with nonprofit organizations, public policies, and gerontological institutions and how they strive to strengthen intergenerational families with minimal resources. I received my graduate training at the University of Texas at Arlington in the School of Social Work and the School of Public Affairs. My research on grandparents raising grandchildren began in 2012 during my tenure as a Charles Mindel Thesis Research Scholar. This award was the driving force of my academic career path.

 

I have conducted research projects related to Alzheimer’s caregivers, macro level social work, spirituality, foster care, and intergenerational family structures where grandparents raise grandchildren. My thesis and dissertation research projects examined the needs of informal grandparents raising grandchildren without legal custody or guardianship and assessed whether service support programs are meeting those needs. 

 

Publications

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The United States is in the midst of a demographic transition over the next few decades with an increase in population among children and older adults (see our blog below on intergenerational reciprocity for statistics). This new reality presents unique opportunities for programs that promote intergenerational collaboration.

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Solutions For Assisting Intergenerational Families

Dr. Ivey has conducted extensive research on grandparents and older adults raising children. As a result of the outcomes, we have designed and tested several initiatives to help provide solutions and to educate the public on the advantages of intergenerational reciprocity. The purpose of these initiatives is to help provide resources for nonprofit organizations that serve or desire to serve intergenerational families. Please click below to learn more about GECG's intergenerational collaboration initiatives.

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What Are Intergenerational Programs?

Intergenerational programs are social programs that provide older and younger generations opportunities to interact and strengthen one another. These programs allow generations to share their talents and resources in support of one another and the community. They strengthen communities and enhance services by engaging older adults, children, and youth. Successful programs are based on reciprocity, are sustainted and intentional, and involve education and preparation for all ages. Examples of intergenerational programs are:

 

• Foster Grandparents

• Young Serving Old

• Older Adults Serving Youth

• Older Adults and Youth Serving Together

• Older Adults and Youth Sharing Sites

• Financial Assistance

• Support Groups

 

While these programs are implemented through organizations, the operations are carried out in various settings such as nursing homes, daycares, public facilities, homes, communities, churches, and more.

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Organizational Concerns with Intergenerational Programs

Just as with any other type of social service, intergenerational programs are also multi-faceted. One specific population often overlooked in intergenerational programs are grandparents and older relatives raising children. A general concern with assisting this population is the informal living arrangements (without legal guardianship or custody) of raising children. Specific reasons that organizations are unprepared to administer services to this population are due to:​

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1. The lack of general knowledge on issues related to grandparents and elderly relatives raising children.

2. The rapid increase of "informal"undocumented living arrangements among grandparents and the elderly and children. In other words, if they are not identifying themselves then organizations are unaware that the population exists.

3. The lack of resources to effectively handle complex issues involved with grandparents and elderly relatives raising children.

4. The lack of staff training to assist the population across generations.

5. The increase of younger grandparents raising children.

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Benefits of Intergenerational Programs

Intergenerational programs should be mutually beneficial for older adults, children, and youth. They increase interaction, cooperation, and exchange allowing generations to support one another for the benefit of the community.