Final Answer:
A decrease in relative foster care in response to an increase in family preservation programs in African American communities. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chief reasons why grandparents become surrogate parents do not include option c. This is because a decrease in relative foster care due to family preservation programs in African American communities does not contribute to the phenomenon of grandparents becoming surrogate parents. The correct reasons are more aligned with social issues such as high divorce rates, teen pregnancies, and parents serving time in prison.
Firstly, high divorce rates often leave women facing potential poverty, leading to grandparents stepping in as surrogate parents to provide stability and support for their grandchildren. Secondly, a sharp rise in teen pregnancies can result in grandparents taking on the role of primary caregivers, ensuring the well-being of the grandchildren. Finally, an increase in parents serving time in prison, primarily for drug and drug-related offenses, can leave children without direct parental care, prompting grandparents to step in and fulfill the parenting role.
In contrast, the decrease in relative foster care in response to family preservation programs in African American communities does not directly contribute to grandparents becoming surrogate parents. Family preservation programs aim to keep families intact, reducing the need for foster care, but they do not specifically address the situation where grandparents assume the parenting role.
The correct option is a.