Grandparents Raising Grandchildren NSW
(GRG NSW) is a resource for grandparents, relatives and kinship carers providing timely and useful information on services, networks, tips, stories and support available to carers.
There is no doubt that the role of becoming a parent the second time
around is very different to the first. Our research has shown, and Grandparents
often talk of, the major upheaval to their lives; the isolation, the energy
drain and the financial and legal difficulties they face. There is often
little preparation for the new role they have taken on with the host of
unforseen problems they encounter.
At the same time grandparents talk of the love they feel for their
grandchildren and the satisfaction that comes from being able to protect and
nurture them. They share stories of challenge and perseverance. They speak of
the joy they feel in watching their grandchildren thrive and in the giving and
receiving of love.
This new life can be daunting without good supports and clear
information.
Grandparents have always played a
valuable role in our society by offering care, love and guidance to their
children and grandchildren.
Last year in 2011,
the NSW
Government officially recognised this contribution with the inaugural
Grandparents Day. This year is no different.
Grandparents Day in 2012 was held on the 28th of October (the last Sunday in
October). We can all celebrate it in our own way. If you are planning any
activities let us know, so we can share it with others. In 2013, Grandparents Day in NSW will be on Sunday 27th October.
Click here to go the Official NSW Grandparents Day Website.
Kinship Carers
GRG NSW recognises that grandparents who are raising their grandchildren
are members of a wide range of kinship carers who devote their lives to the
children in their care.
While the information contained within this website by necessity of
funding bodies is directed to grandparents raising grandchildren, it is hoped
that all kinship carers might benefit from and contribute to the ongoing
expansion and development of this vital information.
Our Mission
To support and improve the quality of life for Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren through advocacy and the provision of consistent and reliable information and support services
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To raise awareness within the community and all levels of government regarding the social justice issues associated with the increasing demands on grandparents raising grandchildren
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To lobby for the fair and equitable treatment of grandparents who are raising grandchildren throughout Australia
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren NSW believes:
The quality of life experienced by grandparents who are raising their grandchildren is an issue to be addressed by all levels of government: local, state and federal
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The lives of grandparents and the children in their care can be changed for the better through reliable information and the development of support services geared specifically towards them and their families
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Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren perform the same role as foster parents and are therefore entitled to the same level of financial, legal and emotional support as foster parents receive