Her elder sister, Edith Abbott, was a social worker, educator, and researcher, professional interests that often complemented Grace's.

She took up residency in the Hull House,[2] an urban center for women engaged in early proto-feminism and social reform, as well as a safe haven for the poor.

She wrote a series of weekly articles in the Chicago Evening Post, titled Within the City's Gates from 1909 to 1910, which brought to light the exploitation of immigrants.

She was responsible for portions of this law continuing by inserting clauses into the war-goods contracts between the federal government and private industries.

[2] After working for the Illinois State Immigrants Commission from 1919 to 1921, Abbott was appointed by President Warren G. Harding as director of the U.S. Children's Bureau.

In addition to her responsibilities at the Children’s Bureau, from 1922 to 1934, Abbott was the official representative of the U.S. on the League of Nations' advisory committees on trafficking of women and on child welfare.

[6] In addition, after leaving the Children's Bureau in 1934, she taught at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration until her death five years later.