New Grandparents’ Assistance Package

Media Announcement

Robyn McSweeney Minister for Child Protection; Community Services; Seniors and Volunteering; Women’s Interests; Youth

Thu 09 August, 2012

More help for grandparents raising families

Portfolio: Seniors and Volunteering

• $127,000 to help grandparents caring for their grandchildren
• Latest edition of the Grandfamilies Resource Kit launched

Today Western Australian grandparents raising their grandchildren have new resources at their fingertips to help navigate through the challenges which may come with their important role.

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney launched the fourth edition of the Grandfamilies Resource Kit and presented a cheque for $127,500 to Wanslea Family Services Board for grand-family support services and extra help.

The Grandfamilies Resource Kit is a one-stop-shop of tips, support and services available to grandparents raising their grandchildren.

“Grandparents who take on the responsibility for raising their grandchildren face extra burdens, both emotional and physical, as well as unplanned costs and an unfamiliar world of family law and bureaucracy,” Mrs McSweeney said.

“Despite the setbacks, these grandparents are determined to give their grandchildren a good start in life and the State Government will provide as much support as we can to those who take on such an important task.”

The Minister presented $127,500 to the Wanslea Family Services Board, while visiting their offices in Cloverdale, and $5,000 to the Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren agency for their grandparent support services.

Fact File

• Across Australia there are more than 14,000 grandfamilies (grandparents with responsibility for their grandchildren)
• The Grandfamilies Resource Kit available at:
• http://www.communities.wa.gov.au
• WA’s first ever Grandparents Day will be held on October 28

Minister’s office – 6552 6500