Commissioned by the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Charitable Trust

This study examines the experiences of grandparents and other relatives raising kin children, in many cases, as a result of family violence. A postal survey was used to collate qualitative data from 323 kin caregivers. The impetus of Child Youth and Family Services (CYFS) for children in need of protection to remain in the family has resulted in greater numbers of grandparents caring for their grandchildren. The organisation 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Charitable Trust' suggest that the needs of grandparents acting as carers are overlooked by policymakers and service providers. The participants in the study overwhelmingly cited financial constraints as a cause of ongoing stress, with 80 percent of respondents not meeting the costs of care with the allowance they receive from the state. Lack of support and understanding by professionals surrounding the unique needs of grandparents caring for children was emphasised by the participants. Many of the children in care experience physical and/or psychological problems, which placed extra strain on grandparents. Legal issues were also identified as problematic, including the high cost of applying for custody, and the length of time for custody decisions to be made. Recommendations include: income support paralleling that of foster care payments; legal expenses to be incurred by the state; more resources and support targeting grandparents acting as caregivers; and training for CYFS staff about the issues involved when placing children in kinship care.

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