Family Affairs

September 2009 - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Family Affairs and NCW members throughout NZ were very pleased to see the new Government follow through and grant the Foster Parent Allowance to Grandparents/Whanau/Kin who are raising their Grandchildren after such a long campaign to have this happen. However, we need to continue working on the add-ons which foster parents automatically receive but Grandparents/Whanau/Kin do not; this includes allowances for medical, dental care, school uniforms fees and books.

NCWNZ and the Family Affairs Standing Committee has been working with the Office of the Children's Commissioner and attaining case histories from Grandparents/Whanau /Kin who are raising their grandchildren. Some of the stories of financial hardship we have received have been heart breaking. However, in the same instance the sacrifices some Grandparents have been prepared to endure to give their grandchildren a better life and the same opportunities as other children have also been very heartening. Without Grandparents/Whanau/Kin, some of these children would be so much worse off than they are. NCWNZ will be ensuring the decision makers of these allowances will get to hear these stories.