[Greens-Media] Media Release - Senate Inquiry delivers report on grandparents raising grandchildren

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

29th October 2014

Senate Inquiry delivers report on grandparents raising grandchildren

The Senate Community Affairs References Committee has today tabled their report on the Inquiry into to grandparents raising grandchildren.
"Throughout this inquiry, in the evidence received, public hearings and conversations we've had, there is a clear love and commitment by grandparents raising grandchildren, however it is clear many are doing it tough and need more support" Committee Chair Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
"The Committee acknowledges grandparents for 'providing their grandchildren with a loving and safe home in which to flourish and achieve their full potential'.
"From our inquiry, it is clear that action is needed to address the numerous and significant challenges facing grandparent raising grandchildren that can improve their quality of life, and ability to support and care for their grandchildren.
"We have made 18 detailed recommendations which we consider will assist Federal and State & Territory Governments, to better support grandparents raising grandchildren.
"The recommendations go to critical areas, including financial support, legal and relationship supports, accommodation, health, mental health and counselling services which will assist grandparent raising grandchildren to support themselves and the children in their care.
"In too many cases, these services are inadequate, unavailable or just are not known about, meaning needs are going unmet.
"Very often, when grandparents are caring for children there have been serious issues, including associated with the loss of a parent or parents, trauma, relationship breakdowns or other very serious issues.

"The Committee has called for action to determine how many grandparents raising grandchildren there are in our community. We don't have enough information about this, and without it, it is hard to ensure adequate services are provided and that the people who need help are receiving it.

"The Committee thanks all of those individuals and organisations who have taken part in this Inquiry, particularly grandparents and we keenly anticipate the responses from the Federal, State and Territory Governments," Senator Siewert concluded.


The Committee Report is available online - http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Grandparent_Carers

Senator Siewert's tabling speech is available online - http://youtu.be/WWp7nqKEce8