Growing up with grandma

Denise Peace of Brooklyn, N.Y., has been taking care of five grandchildren, ages 2 to 17, since her daughter was killed by stray gang gunfire last year. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Nov. 21, 2012 5:57 PM PT

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The number of children being raised by grandparents has continued to grow through the recession and beyond. Denise Peace, a Brooklyn, N.Y., grandmother, is raising five of her deceased daughter’s 12 children.

Denise Peace walks granddaughter Shaniya, 4, home from school. The girl’s mother was walking one of her children back from school herself when she was shot to death last year. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Peace is burning through her savings and getting public assistance -- including food stamps -- to take care of the children. She hopes to return to work part time in the new year. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Neiyma, 2, and sister Saya, 3, eat dinner at the Brooklyn home where they live with their grandmother and three siblings. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)