GRaKCA
Grandparents, Relatives and Kinship Care Alliance
(GRaKCA)
The GRaKCA project focuses on the mapping of grandparent, relative and
kinship carer support groups in NSW. We do this via encouraging new groups and
supporting current groups in NSW. We are focusing on are grandparents, relative
or kinship carers who are raising kids fulltime. Grandparents who have denied
access to their grandchildren and grandparents in general are also included in
the focus.
The alliance is for group support leaders and stakeholders to network,
represent and advocate for grandparents, relatives and kinship carers. The aim
is to gain recognition and support for grandparents, relatives and kinship
carers in NSW by branding the message of “Together, we are not alone”. From a
policy point we aim for grandparents, relative and kinship carers raising kids
fulltime to have equal access received by foster carers via counselling,
respite care and financial support.
To view upcoming GRaKCA events click here
LOBBYING AND GETTING INVOLVED
While the support you need is very much on a practical and day-to-day
level there is another level at which it may help to get involved. In
situations where you feel you have little control over what is happening
standing up for yourself and others often helps. There are grandparent
groups involved in lobbying for better services. COTA (NSW) and GRaKCA
has been lobbying for grandparent services for over 10 years.
Grandparents raising grandchildren have rights:
The basic right is the provision of ongoing and equitable support and
services specifically geared towards grandparents who are raising their
grandchildren.
GRG NSW is lobbying:
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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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For the fair and equitable treatment of grandparents who are
raising grandchildren throughout Australia. Specifically, that
grandparents are recognised at least at the same level as Foster Carers in
NSW - with the same financial support and access to training.
If you want to make a difference you can join the many grandparents writing
letters and lobbying state and federal politicians.
State responsibility lies with:
Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women:
Ms Pru Goward, MP
Level 34 Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Email: office@goward.minister.nsw.gov.au
Note: When contacting a Minister via email or letters, please ensure your
postal address and contact details are included on all correspondence and blind
copy COTA NSW (lisa.langley@cotansw.com.au).
Your local member of parliament is another person to approach. If you
are uncertain as to the name of your local member, minister or senator
Click here