 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
ph: (09)480-6530
9:00am - 3:00pm
fax: (09)480-6572
email: office@grg.org.nz
Trust Head Office:
PO Box 34-892
Birkenhead,
Auckland
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ™ Charitable Trust 2005
| Subject: National
Office. NZ. Report March 2005
Kia Ora and greetings you wonderful people: Condolences: We extend aroha and sympathy to our Helensville GRG Co-ordinator Maree Hemana, grand-daughters Tamara and Leah, on the passing of a loved husband and grandfather. To Maree’s extended whanau our deepest sympathy. Fred will be sorely missed. Speedy Recovery: We send speedy get well messages to Bonnie Williams our North Shore GRG Co-ordinator for her husband Greg who was injured in an accident. After spending sometime in Middlemore Hospital Greg is now recovering at home. New Community Service Cards posted in March: Please check the valid and expiry dates on these, it has come to our attention that some are wrong giving valid dates of 1999 and expiry dates of 2000. Phone: 0800 999 999 for a replacement. Volunteer of the Year Award West Auckland: GRG Support Group Co-ordinator Dominique Young was awarded this honour from Wadscos Waitakere. Congratulations Dominique. New Born Babies under Care of Grandparents/Whanau: This payment helps with the costs of a new baby – for the first 56 days after your baby is born. If you were the principal child carer for a child during the first 56 days you may be entitled to Parental Tax Credit. You could get up to $1200 depending on your family income. But if you received accident compensation payments, an income tested benefit, Student Allowance or New Zealand Superannuation during the first eight weeks after your child was born, your entitlements could be affected. This is something the GRG Trust has just become aware of and will benefit those of you who are raising a new born. To find out more about Family Assistance, call Inland Revenue on 0800 227 773 or visit www.ird.govt.nz . GRG Trust office phone calls: These have increased over the month of February to an average of 68 calls per week, with March jumping up to 89 per week. We are busy! GRANDPARENTS LIFT THE LID ON RAISING GRANDCHILDREN “Grandparents fulfilling the role as parents to their grandchildren are doing their bit under the Children Young Persons and Their Families Act to keep children together with their siblings and families, but they are getting a raw deal from the Government, Child Youth and Family, Work and Income New Zealand staff and the justice system,” says Jill Worrall. Jill Worrall spoke to an audience of judges and lawyers at the 4th Annual Child Law 2005 Conference in Auckland today (11th March 2005). A trustee of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Charitable Trust and Honorary Research Associate at the School of Social and Cultural Studies at Massey University in Auckland, Jill Worrall today released a Research Report, commissioned by the Trust following a survey of 324 grandparents and other kin caregivers across New Zealand. The research represents the largest quantitative and qualitative analysis undertaken in New Zealand or Australasia covering the issues grandparents, in particular, and other family members such as aunts, uncles and even great grandparents are experiencing as they struggle to cope with raising children placed in their care when the parents, for various reasons, are unfit or unable to care for them. Among the key concerns outlined by Ms Worrall at the conference was the incidence of grandparents paying considerable legal fees (either paying privately or through Statutory Legal Aid Charges) to obtain custody and guardianship of their grandchildren – often at the behest of Child Youth and Family where the child/ren are considered at risk and in need of care and protection. The report also illustrates that while fulfilling the same role as foster caregivers, providing stability, security and safety for the children, the grandparents are typically left to cope on their own with the legal costs, counselling, medical, clothing, schooling, and accommodation costs at a time when many of them have retired, down-sized their homes or have health concerns of their own. Often the only financial support available for the children is the Unsupported Child Allowance which is considerably less than what is available for foster care parents and nearly half of the respondents in this survey reported that they were not receiving it at all. One grandmother in the survey on superannuation cared for five grandchildren over a period of 12 years after her two daughters died and has only received the UCB since 2003 because no one previously told her she was eligible for any sort of financial assistance. The children were aged 18 months, 3, 4, 5 and 17 years respectively when they came into her care. On top of all the day to day pressures of raising these children, the report further illustrates that many of the grandparents are also having to go to Court to defend ongoing applications from parents, who are challenging their custodial status as primary caregivers in circumstances where there is little realistic prospect of the parents being in a position to adequately provide and care for their children. Many of the grandparents also live in fear of attacks of physical violence or psychological abuse from these parents. “This research confirms what the Trust has known anecdotally for the past several years,” says Diane Vivian, National Convenor of the Trust. “There is a real crisis in the care of children by extended family or grandparents in New Zealand and we have been telling the Government for a long time that it is simply unjust for children at risk to be so disadvantaged simply because they are now being cared for by extended family instead of by strangers. There must be equity in the system and we must make sure that these children and their caregivers get the financial and social support they need.” Mrs Vivian also points out that, “In many cases these grandparents will be dead in the next 10-20 years and these children are the next generation of adults in our society. They need proper support now if they have any chance of being productive members of society rather than following the example of their parents into a life of crime, drug and alcohol abuse, violence and ultimately abuse of their own children in future.” The report’s findings show that most of the grandparents providing the primary day to day care are doing so under considerable stress financially, emotionally and socially. The research shows that: § 82.69% of caregivers are over 50 years of age with a significant proportion (43%) of them aged over 60 § 58.9% of the caregivers had a deterioration in their health since assuming the primary care of the children § 37.4% of caregivers are caring for the grandchildren on their own § 37% of the caregivers were caring for their grandchildren on an income of less than $20,000 per annum, with a further 29.2% on an income of $20,000-$40,000 per annum. Less than one quarter have an income over $40,000 § Parental relationship breakdown is a common feature for the children being cared for by their grandparents § The major cause of placement with grandparents is drug (40.255%) and alcohol (29.10%) abuse and neglect (as a co-existing state). § The age of the parents at the time grandparents assumed primary care of their children was also analysed. The largest cohort for both genders was in the 20-30 year age group. The figures tend to debunk any theory grandparents are for the most part assuming the care of children of teenage parents. § Nearly 25% of the caregivers have been caring for their grandchildren since birth, with drug/alcohol abuse, mental illness, abandonment, parental incapacity or incapability being cited as the principal reason for the placements. § Nearly 85% of the respondents in the survey reported that the children in their care suffered from physical illness or disability with Asthma being the most prevalent condition (30%) § Behavioural and psychological problems of various types were reported with 22.91% reporting severe aggressive behaviour, 18% reporting destructive behaviour (to property and persons), 17.34% reporting conduct disorder and 21.67% with ADD or ADHD, with 18.58% citing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. § 77% reported that they had not received any financial assistance to pay for the specialist fees and medical costs associated with their grandchildren’s physical and/or psychological problems. Among the key recommendations in the Ms Worrall’s report to the Government, its agencies and the courts are that: · Kin/whanau caregivers must receive adequate income support commensurate with Foster Care Board Payments and financial support that is reflective of the particular needs of children placed with kin/whanau. · WINZ workers should be better educated with respect to the income support entitlements of grandparent and kin caregivers, particularly in relation to the UCB and other benefits they are entitled to in addition to the UCB · Judges need to focus more on the need of children to have placement stability and they should be more proactive in the prevention of on-going custody challenges by disingenuous parties who place their own needs above that of their children and put their children’s stability and security in jeopardy. · Respite care, day care, after school care, free medical care and free counselling should be provided as a matter of course for kin/whanau caregivers, particularly grandparents. · Where a child has been under the care of Child Youth and Family, all legal expenses incurred to achieve kin/whanau custody and/or guardianship should be paid for by the State. Similarly Grandparents gaining permanent custody/guardianship of their grandchildren should not be liable to repay legal aid payments. The above is a minute taste of this rich data, the complete research is 77 pages. Copies of this research is available from the Trust Office please enclose a cheque for $20 to cover costs. If you are a member of GRG and listed on our database we can offer you a discounted at cost copy for $10. Please post a cheque with your name and address details please. This research does have copyright therefore you are NOT allowed to photocopy it. On behalf of my fellow Trustee’s I would really like to acknowledge fellow Trustee Jill Worrall for her excellent work in this research. Jill spent hundreds of hours on this valuable research, pro bono (at no cost) such is her passion for us all in what we do. Jill, thank you seems inadequate, but it comes from the bottom of our hearts. To Kate Woodd (Trustee) and all of you who completed this questionnaire thank you so much for your input, what would we do without you all: God bless. Unsupported Child benefit: The GRG Research tells us that many GRG’s are not accessing the UCB, we know there are many different reasons why this is so. But what does concern us, is the fact as our financial situation changes and lessens the financial needs of the children as they grow, increase. You need this UCB to help out with the many increasing costs of the children. Sometimes this is a judgement call that only you can make. Some do not want to rock the boat; others fear shame at going to WINZ, this we understand as we hear it so often from our members. You must do what is right for you and your situation and carefully weigh it all up. Every Child Counts A realisation that New Zealand could do better for its children
has led 180 individuals and organisations to start a joint campaign
to promote the interests of children and families in the lead up
to the 2005 election. fewer children growing up in poverty
Organisations leading the project are Barnardos, UNICEF New Zealand, Save the Children, Royal New Zealand Plunket Society and the Institute of Public Policy, Auckland University of Technology. Other organisations and individuals have signed up as supporters. A key element of the campaign is to have a huge list of personal and organisational supporters from across New Zealand telling all political parties to take more notice of children and families. To sign up as a supporter, or for more information, contact: Every Child Counts, PO Box 6434, Wellington. Or email: everychildcounts@barnardos.org.nz, or phone 04 385 7560. There are no membership fees, and no specific obligations – simply list your name as a supporter. GRG Trust are a supporter of this. Read more about Every Child Counts on www.everychildcounts.org.nz . From Grand Marianne: Ones Life certainly changes when Grandchildren arrive, suddenly we become extra alive! We are asked for help, hints and advice, then a Grand tends to be worth a special price. When one day her daughter needed constant care, the little one is placed in Grandma’s arms with a tear. She loved to see the child so small, although no social activities or clubs at all. The task she took on with love, some remarked she’d win a place above. She replied Grandchildren whether yours or mine, are heaven sent and are a special gift divine. Marianne cared for her grandchild when an infant at 64 - now the lad is nearly 15 & 6 foot tall, she hopes to live to see him achieve and become a good all-rounder - which he is at present. Which means Marianne is a remarkable 79! Need Help and don’t know where to go: Now there is one confidential FREE number to access community support, 8am – 9pm, 7 days a week. 0800 211211. We have had some changes for our support group co-ordinators: So here are the new listings(see following). We have another 2 new groups starting, one in Norsewood and the other in Gore. GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN CHARITABLE TRUST NZ Trust Head Office National Convenor: Diane Vivian. PO Box 34892 Birkenhead Auckland Email: parenting2@xtra.co.nz Phone: 09 4806530 Fax: 09 4806572 Free phone: 0800 GRANDS or 0800 472637 (toll calls only please from GRG’s)
Regional Co -ordinators Caregiver Courses for April 2005 (Free) UPPER SOUTH For bookings, please contact the Caregiver Training Coordinator directly, by phone (04) 913 2168, fax (04) 914 4473, or contact the Training Coordinator direct on 0800 227 305 (0800 CARE 'O'K), and ask to be referred to Maxine Carroll. WELLINGTON FIG From Australia - In a speech to State Parliament last night (Tuesday, March 8) Member for Nicklin Peter Wellington flagged the introduction of his Private Member’s Bill which would give grandparents, who are the sole carers of their grandchildren, the same benefits as foster carers. He said many grandparents who had taken on the care of their grandchildren were in desperate financial situations. “Many of these people are almost destitute and live below the poverty line,” he said. “While their pensions or superannuation may have provided enough for one or even two to live on, it doesn’t come close to covering the needs of caring for school age children as well. “The majority of these grandparents are over 55, some are over 65. They have raised their own families and just when they should be enjoying life and taking it easy, they have had to start all over again. It’s a very sad situation and they deserve our help. “My Bill will ensure that grandparents caring for grandchildren get the same help as foster carers because in reality, they are doing the same job. Mr Wellington said that his Private Members Bill would amend the Queensland Child Protection Act to give the chief executive the power to put the grandparents on the same support allowances as those of foster carers. He said he hoped to introduce it into Parliament in the near future. “I sincerely hope that all members of Parliament will recognise the importance of this Bill and support it,” he said. In his speech, Mr. Wellington asked Treasurer Terry MacKenroth to factor the financial costs of his Bill into this year’s budget due to be brought down in June. From New York. USA - GOVERNOR PATAKI SIGNS LAW TO SUPPORT GRANDPARENTS Expands Options for Grandparents to Raise Their Grandchildren Governor George E. Pataki today continued his historic commitment to New York State's children and families by announcing that he has signed legislation expanding custodial options to grandparents who are primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Additionally, grandparents wishing to provide care for their grandchildren who are removed from their parents' home due to abuse or neglect, are now to be informed by local departments of social services that they have the option of becoming foster parents. "All children deserve a loving and nurturing home, and grandparents are sometimes called upon to play the primary role in the upbringing of their grandchildren," Governor Pataki said. "By recognizing the importance many grandparents play in raising their grandchildren, and by providing them the support they may need to maintain permanency, we can assist them in their vital role as caregivers." Provisions of the new law include: Specifically providing grandparents legal standing when seeking custody of their grandchildren in certain circumstances. Requiring local social services officials to locate all of the grandparents of a child who the courts deem must be placed in out-of- home care. Requiring that grandparents be advised of the opportunity, and the resources available to them, to become foster parents. Senator Steve Saland said, "I am extremely pleased that the Governor has signed this important legislation into law. While in most cases, a child's best interest is served by remaining with his or her parents, unfortunately this is not always the case. In many instances a grandparent has assumed the responsibility of primary caregiver. This law will enable the courts to recognize that role. In addition, this new provision will help to prevent the needless suffering of children when uprooted from their homes and give grandparents greater opportunity to provide a loving and stable home to their grandchildren." Assemblyman Roger Green said, "Many grandparents now act as a primary caregiver to their grandchildren. This law will protect children from being uprooted and removed from loving homes in those cases where a birth parent has not shown a willingness to care for a child. In some cases, grandparents are the best viable guardian of a child. I therefore commend Governor Pataki for signing this law into effect on behalf of the many grandparents who work hard to provide a safe, nurturing home for their grandchildren. This is a wonderful day for grandparents and their grandchildren and the great State of New York." Senator Kenneth LaValle said, "I have long advocated for legislation that protects the rights of grandparents while respecting the parent/child relationship. In New York alone, it is reported that 413,000 children are being raised in their grandparents' home. The enactment of this bill is important because it recognizes the changing and more active role of grandparents in their grandchildren's lives and provides grandparents certain rights with regards to custody and visitation of their grandchildren." New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Commissioner John A. Johnson said, "Governor Pataki is committed to providing New York State's families with the resources and support to help them grow stronger together. Signing this bill into law demonstrates the Governor's ongoing commitment to helping children grow up in safe and stable homes so they can reach their full potential, and to helping provide support for grandparents who assume primary responsibility for a child." New York State Office for the Aging (SOFA) Acting Director Neal E. Lane said, "This new law is a victory for every individual grandparent who loves and cares for their grandchild. This law gives them the legal standing they need to properly care for their grandchildren and to allow those children to grow up in a home where they feel safe and loved." According to the 2000 census, approximately 412,000 grandparents in New York State are caring for a child under the age of 18 living in their home. Approximately 35 percent of those grandparents, more than 140,000, take primary responsibility for raising a related child. Last year, Governor Pataki announced the award of 19 grants totalling $1.5 million to support initiatives developed by not-for-profit and other nongovernmental agencies to assist relatives caring for children. The grants are administered by OCFS in conjunction with SOFA to encourage organizations to offer services that help children make an easy transition to living with and being raised by relatives. Changes are happening around the world for grandparents who raise grandchildren and with the release of our internal research we will continue to push for changes within NZ. E te Atua, aroha mai..... O God shower us with love. Di Convenor and the team. Happy Easter to all, be safe and enjoy return to top |