Grandparent carers supported

Grandparent carers who put themselves ‘second’ to their grandchildren will get a “new start in life” with a recently launched support program to ensure much-needed care and attention is provided. The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren family support program was made possible through a Tasmanian Community Fund grant.

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren family support program, run by UnitingCare, was made possible through a grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund.

The Tasmanian Government has provided more than $310,000 from the Tasmanian Community Fund to the new program.

Minister for Children, Michelle O’Byrne, says while raising a child is “challenging in anyone’s book”, for a grandparent thinking about retirement it is even more so.

The support provided will reportedly include personal counselling, case planning and management, parenting advice and skills development, as well as access to advocacy services.

According to Ms O’Byrne, other relatives who take on the primary caring role of a child will also be able to receive the support offered by the program.

“The program will help grandparents and other relative carers get the information they need from people who know what they are going through.

“Getting carers the support and information they need smoothly means they can focus on the child’s emotional needs during a time of significant adjustment,” she says.

Ms O’Byrne hopes the support services offered by the program will allow the “safe return” of some children back to their immediate family.

UnitingCare’s business and community development officer, Flora Dean, tells DPS News programs like Grandparents Raising Grandchildren are “critically important” to help those struggling financially, socially and health-wise.

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