Raising grandchildren from crack-cocaine households: effects on family and friendship ties of African-American women.

Changes in family and friendship networks of 71 African-American grandmothers raising grandchildren as a consequence of the crack-cocaine epidemic are examined. Despite continued strong social ties, many of the women reported decreased contact with family and friends other than confidantes and a decline in marital satisfaction. Implications of the findings for research, policy, and practice are discussed.