Frequently Asked Questions

This page has our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not addressed here please email support@grg.org.nz or post your question on the discussion board. Click on any of these questions to find the answer.

If I have custody and guardianship can I get financial help to raise these children?

Yes, it is called Unsupported Child's Benefit (UCB) available from WINZ. You will have to satisfy them that you have the children because of family breakdown. return to top

What if we do not have custody but are raising the children because parents can not or will not?

You can still apply for the UCB. WINZ will want proof of family breakdown and you must be going to look after the children for the next 12 months. return to top

We are looking after our Moko (grandchildren) because this is our culture, can we get UCB?

No, if this is your wish to raise the G/c because of your culture, you do so willingly. return to top

Is the Unsupported Child Benefit asset tested?

No, it is not. return to top

Children are under Child Youth and Family custody but how do I support them financially?

Speak to your social worker about board payments and other extras. return to top

I have been turned down by WINZ for Unsupported yet I have custody of G/c?

Ask for a review and the reasons why turned down. Phone the CAB and ask for the name of a WINZ advocate in your area. return to top

My G/child has special needs, can I access extra help?

Yes, get a letter from your Doctor and apply to WINZ for a "Disability Allowance". return to top

I have heard you can get a little extra from WINZ if children in your care were under CYF?

Yes, it is called Care Supplement and you will have to prove that the g/c were discharged from CYF into your care and you are still the caregiver. return to top

I need some help with pre-school care, can I get help?

In some cases, and if on UCB, then ask your WINZ case worker about the OSCAR programme. return to top

How do I get a Community Services card for by G/c?

If you are on any kind of benefit from WINZ you will get this card. If in receipt of UCB then this should have happened automatically. return to top

How does one get Legal Aid?

You ask your lawyer to apply for you. You will have to pay the first $50. return to top

I have a home and low income, can I access legal aid?

Yes, provided you are under the required income, you can get Legal Aid but be warned they will place a caveat upon your home for this amount. return to top

If a caveat is placed upon my home when does it get paid back?

When the home is sold, or upon your death. return to top

We are getting abusive phone calls from the parent, what can we do?

Either change your phone number to a confidential one or get caller ID and vet the incoming calls. return to top

My daughter attacked me in the home on an access visit, what should I have done?

Phone the Police immediately and get them to notify you social worker if you have one. Press charges against her. Notify Counsel for Child if you have one also. Notify CYF call centre if after hours or on week-en and ask them to record your phone call. return to top

We are being intimidated down the road from supervised access by the parents?

Tell the Access centre supervisor and ask them to contact your social worker. Drive with your doors locked. Tell Counsel for Child also. return to top

How do we prove that we are being harassed by the parents?

Diary note everything that happens giving time and date. Any witnesses get them to do the same. Notify social worker and Counsel for Child. return to top

The parents are arriving drugged up to the eyeballs to take the children out on their access, what should we do?

Under no circumstances let them go. Diary it and call CYF call centre immediately to notify them. Ask call centre to record your call. Then on the first working day notify your social worker and Counsel for child. return to top

We have custody, no CYF involvement, and our P addicted daughter tells us she has been clean for 2 weeks and wants her child back. What should we do?

Do not agree to this, it is far too soon. Ask your daughter to get drug test on a regular basis and then after a substantial period of time you will consider the request. Caution is needed here. return to top

My grandchildren are acting out at school... Help!

Ask your School Principal to call in Special Education Services (SES) to get the children assessed. return to top

Grandchild under CYF is displaying bizarre behaviour in the home?

Talk to your social worker and ask her to get the child seen by Specialty Services, this will be at no cost to you. return to top

I have noticed bruising on my grandchildren. My daughter is a solo Mum, what should I do?

Step in alongside her to see what you can do to help her out. It is not easy being a solo parent. Do everything in your power to help resolve the situation. If you meet opposition, as a last resort contact CYF. In these matters it is better if the family can resolve this as this will cause less friction later on. But sometimes CYF has to be the way to go especially if there is danger for the children and if drugs are involved. return to top

I need some extra learning for myself in dealing with these children, where can I go?

Telephone your local CYF office and ask for the Caregiver Liaison Social Worker. They should be able to tell you about courses that are run by them for caregivers and you can attend these even i your g/c are not under CYF. return to top

I have 2 severely special needs children, and I need help?

Telephone Disability Services, Wilson Home or Parent to Parent. All can help and if not will put you in touch with someone who can. return to top

What is the telephone number of CYF Call Centre?

0508 FAMILY or 0508 326 459 return to top

We have under 5's whom are under the care of CYF, we, being older have lost touch with today's teaching, where can we get help?

If you are caring for preschoolers whom are under the care of CYFs, you are able access, Linmark Educational Services. Linmark's role is to support Caregivers, within the home environment, to provide the best possible educational platform for children aged birth to school age, while in care. This service is Free to caregivers. 0800 338 227 or email info@linmark.co.nz or www.linmark.co.nz

Sadly my partner and I have decided to separate, probably due mostly to the stress in our role as a GRG, we have 3 grandchildren with us and they will be staying with me. Does he have to support them?

It is our understanding that your partner would not need to support the 3 grandchildren. The parent(s) of these children should be paying Child Support to you or IRD if you are in receipt of Unsupported Child Benefit and this will continue after you separate. Unless of course, the children have been adopted, by you both. return to top

I am named on the Parenting Orders but my partner is not, I am wondering should I die would my partner automatically take over the children?

Not necessarily so, the parent/s could use this opportunity to go back to Court and go for custody/parenting Orders. Therefore it would be would be wise to speak to a Family Court Lawyer about this situation. You have the opportunity to do Testimonial Guardianship in your will naming your partner, but this also could possibly be contested.
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If you are unsure of anything legal you should consult a Family Court Lawyer or make an appointment with your Local Community Law Office and arrange a 20 minute free consultation for advice.