GRANDCARE Wanslea Family Services Kerry Blom Grandcare Coordinator

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE Context –“Thelma and Jack’s” story. –There has always been a number of children living with their grandparents (e.g. for financial reasons due to work, cultural, etc) Generally this has been a shared care arrangement –However in WA (and nationally) there appears to be increasing numbers of grandchildren entering the care of grandparents full time. The reasons for this “Grandcare” include: Substance abuse Mental illness Incarceration Death Domestic Violence Welfare concerns

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE The Service –In 2002 Wanslea’s Grandcare was launched to offer a diverse range of services which target the individual requirements of the grandparents and the children in their care. There are now metropolitan and regional sites. –The Service is funded by the WA Office for Seniors Interests and Volunteering. Supplementary support is provided by a range of service and volunteer organisations (e.g. Foodbank, Rotary etc). –These services developed over the last 4 years have been subject to an action research approach aimed at a service of best fit.

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE The Services 1.Information and advocacy service 2.Support groups 3.Social integration and skills development (for both grandchildren and grandparents) 4.Partnership with Foodbank and regular assistance from service groups 5.Wrap around support offered by Wanslea (e.g. crisis family support) 6.Research and evaluation 7.Facilitating a community profile

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE 1.Information and advocacy service –1800 number state-wide (approximately 2500 calls since launch). This often provides the first opportunity grandparents have to talk about their situation. –Advocate on behalf of grandparents to agencies such as Centrelink, Family Law Court, Homeswest, DCD, Health Department etc). –Provide information on local service and opportunities. Link to Grandcare activities (e.g., skills enhancement opportunities, picnics and camps).

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE 2. Support groups –Aim at overcoming social isolation –A link to activities –Create informal support networks –Develop friendships

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE 3. Social integration & skills development –Skills workshops include child behaviour management, drug and alcohol information, social development, information on agencies of interest (e.g. Centrelink). –Grandcamps: A way to consolidate and have services provided to both grandchildren and grandparents in a non threatening and fun environment (Examples of feedback).

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE 4. Partnerships –Volunteers –The support from Foodbank –The support from Rotary and Soroptimist international –Support from Church groups –Public support

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE 5. Wrap around support –Crisis support –Keeping families together (e.g. behaviour training) –Social work support

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE 6. Research and evaluation –Links with Curtin University of Technology (e.g. Perceptions of grandchildren living full time with grandparents). –Developing links with University of Western Australia. –Provide data to Office for Seniors Interests and Volunteering as part of ongoing commitment. –Provide data to Office for Children and Youth. –Promising future research on the horizon.

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE 7. Facilitating a community profile –TV –Radio –News media –Magazines –Presentations –Awards and nominations (both of service and the grandparents)

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE Future Directions –More regional service coverage –Develop regional networks (beginning) –Grandparents running their own support groups –Everyone’s wish in the not for profit sector: the access to more funding

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE Conclusion – “Gary’s” Story Thank You

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006 GRANDCARE Contact Details Kerry Blom Grandcare Coordinator Wanslea Family Services PO Box 1640, East Victoria Park, WA, 6981 Tel: Fax: