Grandparents and other Grandparents and other relatives raising relatives raising

kin children in Aotearoa/New kin children in Aotearoa/New ZealandZealand

GRG TRUST NZGRG TRUST NZ Founded by Diane Vivian in Founded by Diane Vivian in 19991999 Membership Membership 5,212 5,212 caregiverscaregivers 48 48 Support/Coffee Groups from Far Support/Coffee Groups from Far

North to InvercargillNorth to Invercargill Run by a Board of TrusteesRun by a Board of Trustees Auckland office Auckland office

GRG staffGRG staff 2 fulltime equivalents2 fulltime equivalents Geoff Lawson: CEOGeoff Lawson: CEO Diane Vivian: Member Support ManagerDiane Vivian: Member Support Manager Diana East: training facilitator (Wgtn)Diana East: training facilitator (Wgtn) Nola Adams: prison/youth justice, self Nola Adams: prison/youth justice, self

representation in court /advice (Napier)representation in court /advice (Napier) Sharon Lee: counseling/dealing with Sharon Lee: counseling/dealing with

challenging children (Auckland)challenging children (Auckland) Tricia Corin: WINZ and IRD Tricia Corin: WINZ and IRD

advocate/benefits (Thames)advocate/benefits (Thames)

What we doWhat we do Provide information, advice, advocacyProvide information, advice, advocacy New member welcome packNew member welcome pack GRG HandbookGRG Handbook Support groups/trainingSupport groups/training Bi-annual members conferenceBi-annual members conference 0800 Help/Support Line 24x70800 Help/Support Line 24x7 PicnicPicnic Camps for kids working with Camps for kids working with

KidsAcool/Respite careKidsAcool/Respite care

What we do continuedWhat we do continued

Monthly NewsletterMonthly Newsletter Website Website www.grg.org.nz Facebook pageFacebook page E-coffee groups using Skype E-coffee groups using Skype Research – major studies in 2005 and Research – major studies in 2005 and

20092009 Policy development & lobbyingPolicy development & lobbying Strategic partnershipsStrategic partnerships

NewslettersNewsletters

“They (the newsletters) are most gratefully received I can

assure you and help so much when we are

feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility we have taken o

n.”

GRG PicnicGRG Picnic“Just to mention I had

a fantastic time meeting people at the local GRG picnic. 2012

saw 240 families attend.

GRG PicnicGRG Picnic

GRG Support GroupsGRG Support Groups

“I am so glad I did join GRG, it has been so good for me...and I have met some lovely people. Thanks again for all that you do for us and the children.”

GRG Coordinator Training DayGRG Coordinator Training Day

“Thank you for the wonderful two days. The seminar was so informative and also made us realise we don’t stand alone”

ChildrenChildren’’s Campss Camps

“At camp I seem to be more confident than I am.

Sometimes I must overcome something that scares me like

swimming in open water, which was definitely fun.”

“Thank you very much for arranging a camp. We really had fun thanks. Our whole family really appreciated it so much.”

Facts & FiguresFacts & Figures 11,899 children receiving the UCB11,899 children receiving the UCB 163,000 or 15% of children classified as 163,000 or 15% of children classified as

“vulnerable”“vulnerable” $100m+ savings to taxpayers by $100m+ savings to taxpayers by

grandparents raising grandchildrengrandparents raising grandchildren $250,000 cost of raising a child to 18 = $250,000 cost of raising a child to 18 =

$14,000 or $270 per week$14,000 or $270 per week Average UCB = $169 GAP = $100 per Average UCB = $169 GAP = $100 per

weekweek

Facts & Figures continuedFacts & Figures continued

$340 National Super per week for 50% of $340 National Super per week for 50% of GRGs who are solo caregivers GRGs who are solo caregivers

2,633 phone calls per year to GRG head 2,633 phone calls per year to GRG head Office = 50+ per weekOffice = 50+ per week

33% = GRG members without the 33% = GRG members without the internetinternet

The battle for parityThe battle for parity

Important issue and major focus for GRGImportant issue and major focus for GRG GRGs do not receive the same level of support GRGs do not receive the same level of support

as foster carers receiveas foster carers receive This is morally wrongThis is morally wrong We will continue to fight this battleWe will continue to fight this battle However other battles are more winnable at However other battles are more winnable at

this time!!!this time!!! This presentation and GRG’s current strategy This presentation and GRG’s current strategy

is focused on the things we can dois focused on the things we can do

Doing better by them at the Doing better by them at the grassrootsgrassroots

Operating for over 13 years has taught us many things but the essence of what we have learnt is this:

Grandparents raising grandchildren need grass-roots support in the area in which they reside as well as national support

Doing better by them at the Doing better by them at the grassroots continuedgrassroots continued

This support needs to be practical, easily accessible, local and provided in a safe, secure, caring and non-threatening environment.

This presentation identifies the key needs of grandparents raising grandchildren and provides an innovative framework for doing a better job in meeting those needs.

Why the grandparentsWhy the grandparents

Generally considered the best Generally considered the best environment for the grandchildrenenvironment for the grandchildren

““Blood”/whanau connection is very strongBlood”/whanau connection is very strong Love and commitmentLove and commitment Sense of obligationSense of obligation Because the alternative is basically Because the alternative is basically

unacceptable to manyunacceptable to many

What happens when the What happens when the grandchildren arrivegrandchildren arrive

Often unexpectedly and quicklyOften unexpectedly and quickly At times only with the clothes (or At times only with the clothes (or

pyjamas) they are standing in pyjamas) they are standing in Children are scared and scarredChildren are scared and scarred Sometimes grandparents are unprepared Sometimes grandparents are unprepared

and often ill-equiped to cope with raising and often ill-equiped to cope with raising children in this modern world children in this modern world

Grandparents circumstancesGrandparents circumstances

More often than not a solo grandmother – More often than not a solo grandmother – around 50% of our membersaround 50% of our members

Living in a small house/flat/unitLiving in a small house/flat/unit Often retiredOften retired National super as their only source of National super as their only source of

income ($340 per week for solo income ($340 per week for solo caregivers)caregivers)

Impact on Grandparents Impact on Grandparents

Brings unexpected and difficult life changesBrings unexpected and difficult life changes Unattained dreamsUnattained dreams Changes in family circumstancesChanges in family circumstances Negative impact on mental and physical healthNegative impact on mental and physical health Issue of Self care – who cares for the carersIssue of Self care – who cares for the carers Shame and griefShame and grief Economic vulnerabilityEconomic vulnerability Net effect = stress & uncertaintyNet effect = stress & uncertainty

PrioritiesPriorities

Safety, security, stabilitySafety, security, stability ““Normalising” the grandchildren’s livesNormalising” the grandchildren’s lives Getting them to schoolGetting them to school 24 x 7 x 365 care (i.e. very little respite)24 x 7 x 365 care (i.e. very little respite) Accessing entitlementsAccessing entitlements

ChallengesChallenges

Securing entitlementsSecuring entitlements Understanding the school systemUnderstanding the school system Helping with homework; what on earth is Helping with homework; what on earth is

NCEA!!NCEA!! Coping with technology; internet safety – Coping with technology; internet safety –

that’s if they have a computerthat’s if they have a computer Coping with the CYF, WINZ and the Coping with the CYF, WINZ and the

Family CourtFamily Court

EntitlementsEntitlements

Unsupported Child BenefitUnsupported Child Benefit Range $140-$196 per weekRange $140-$196 per week The GPs must demonstrate that there The GPs must demonstrate that there

has been a family breakdown which can has been a family breakdown which can be frustrating and time consumingbe frustrating and time consuming

The GPs must “prove” that they will be The GPs must “prove” that they will be caring for the children for more than 12 caring for the children for more than 12 months. Often not easymonths. Often not easy

What are GRG doing to helpWhat are GRG doing to help Free membership to GRGFree membership to GRG Information and adviceInformation and advice Advocacy particularly with respect to securing Advocacy particularly with respect to securing

the UCB and dealing with CYF, WINZ and the the UCB and dealing with CYF, WINZ and the Family Court systemFamily Court system

0800 Helpline – 24x7x3650800 Helpline – 24x7x365 4 Field Officers = 1 FTE4 Field Officers = 1 FTE 48 Support Groups/Coffee Groups that provide 48 Support Groups/Coffee Groups that provide

safety, security, confidentiality, empathy, love safety, security, confidentiality, empathy, love and supportand support

TrainingTraining

GRG FundingGRG Funding

A constant battle as we all know A constant battle as we all know

GRG is grateful to receive funding from:GRG is grateful to receive funding from: Community Organisation Grants Scheme Community Organisation Grants Scheme

(COGS)(COGS) CYFCYF Local councilsLocal councils NZ LotteriesNZ Lotteries Private trusts/ philanthropic organisationsPrivate trusts/ philanthropic organisations DonationsDonations Commitment to fund = CertaintyCommitment to fund = Certainty

Strategic PartnershipsStrategic Partnerships GRG places great emphasis on working with GRG places great emphasis on working with

other “fellow travellers”other “fellow travellers” Our partnership with The Parenting Place has Our partnership with The Parenting Place has

been hugely successfulbeen hugely successful Morning teas/training sessions for Morning teas/training sessions for

grandparentsgrandparents Delivery of “Parenting” magazine to all GRG Delivery of “Parenting” magazine to all GRG

membersmembers Major initiative was the launch of the Major initiative was the launch of the

Grandparents ToolboGrandparents Toolboxx

Grandparents ToolboxGrandparents Toolbox

Significant initiative led by TPPSignificant initiative led by TPP Modelled on the hugely successful “Parenting Toolbox”Modelled on the hugely successful “Parenting Toolbox” Features a 9 hour instructional DVD programme plus Features a 9 hour instructional DVD programme plus

manualmanual Tailored specifically to the needs of grandparents Tailored specifically to the needs of grandparents

raising grandchildrenraising grandchildren Provides specialised and practical Provides specialised and practical grandparentinggrandparenting

advice advice Features 5 GRG members with their family stories Features 5 GRG members with their family stories

including one grandchild who is being raised by her including one grandchild who is being raised by her grandparentsgrandparents

Delivered free of charge to all GRG members Delivered free of charge to all GRG members

GRG Toolbox PromoGRG Toolbox Promo

What have we learnt from the What have we learnt from the Toolbox exerciseToolbox exercise

Real stories/real experiencesReal stories/real experiences What our grandparents needWhat our grandparents need What our grandchildern need – an area What our grandchildern need – an area

that has not received enough attention = that has not received enough attention = research priorityresearch priority

That there is a great diversity of needsThat there is a great diversity of needs

What they are saying about the toolboxWhat they are saying about the toolbox

We have learned so much even from the bit we have seen.  I am longing to be able to sit down now and finish it!

 I made my partner John sit down and watch it with me. Now John, is an old, grumpy but a lovable rogue and a hard nut to crack, and when the Tool Box arrived he absolutely rubbished it without even looking at it!   But, all the way through he was saying  "Oh, yes, I can see how that would work, or yes, that's a great idea" so I am thrilled. John is now the greatest fan!   So congratulations to all of you concerned.  

I was absolutely desperate to get this resource as I have been at my wits end.

What they are saying about the toolbox cont.What they are saying about the toolbox cont.

I am very happy with it. I have recommended it to other family who are raising

and they have joined GRG to get the DVD and more information

My friend and I are sharing the DVD’s, fabulous. It’s real and so great that real grandparents are in it

also. That has impact. Not easy raising troubled children and this has given

me different strategies, thank you. Something just for US…….

Training & Development - SALTTraining & Development - SALT

Sharing and Learning TogetherSharing and Learning Together Started in 2011Started in 2011 One day workshop involves small groups One day workshop involves small groups

(up to 15) working with 2 professional (up to 15) working with 2 professional facilitators facilitators

10 workshops held so far10 workshops held so far Represents a significant investment by Represents a significant investment by

GRG in informal learning based on adult GRG in informal learning based on adult learning principleslearning principles

SALT workshop contentSALT workshop content

Focuses on finding the key strengths Focuses on finding the key strengths within within

Allows our members to grow strongerAllows our members to grow stronger Identifies and uses the strength of Identifies and uses the strength of

resilienceresilience Provides tools for self-improvementProvides tools for self-improvement

SALT feedbackSALT feedback

““Great information given very sensitively by real Great information given very sensitively by real professionals”professionals”

““Well worth the effort GRG has put into providing the Well worth the effort GRG has put into providing the workshop”workshop”

““I came along wanting confidence and have gained that I came along wanting confidence and have gained that and a lot more. I discovered there is nothing I would and a lot more. I discovered there is nothing I would change in my circumstances, what I am doing, except change in my circumstances, what I am doing, except my attitude. I now don’t feel a ‘victim’ or so alone and my attitude. I now don’t feel a ‘victim’ or so alone and helpless. I feel stronger and confident that I am doing helpless. I feel stronger and confident that I am doing well in coping with the circumstances I have found well in coping with the circumstances I have found myself in”myself in”

What needs to be done?What needs to be done?More of the same plusMore of the same plusRaising our profileRaising our profileTrumpeting successTrumpeting successAcknowledging the ribbon of grief while emphasising Acknowledging the ribbon of grief while emphasising what helps grandparents copewhat helps grandparents copeEnsuring that our support groups are well led and Ensuring that our support groups are well led and resourced and have a solid framework of good practice resourced and have a solid framework of good practice principlesprinciplesProviding specialist learning opportunitiesProviding specialist learning opportunitiesEquiping our families with the right toolsEquiping our families with the right tools

Raising our profileRaising our profile Spreading the wordSpreading the word Using social media/FB pageUsing social media/FB page Media exposureMedia exposure Strategic partnershipsStrategic partnerships Greater diversity of fundraisingGreater diversity of fundraising Localising fundraising/engaging local Localising fundraising/engaging local

businesses and service groupsbusinesses and service groups Making it easy to donate from our web Making it easy to donate from our web

site site

Trumpeting successTrumpeting success Focus on highlighting and promoting Focus on highlighting and promoting

success rather than the negative sidessuccess rather than the negative sides Revamping the GRG web site to reflect Revamping the GRG web site to reflect

thisthis ““Happy Stories”Happy Stories” 8 is enuf 8 is enuf - we have a family where a - we have a family where a

couple (extended whanau) are raising 8 couple (extended whanau) are raising 8 children – this is a wonderful success children – this is a wonderful success storystory

Ribbon of griefRibbon of grief It’s important to acknowledge what we call It’s important to acknowledge what we call

the ribbon of griefthe ribbon of grief The “unspoken” grief that is the “loss” of a The “unspoken” grief that is the “loss” of a

son or daughter – often not even thought ofson or daughter – often not even thought of Coping with addiction and mental illnessCoping with addiction and mental illness Shame and blameShame and blame Recognising the grieving processRecognising the grieving process Emphasising what helps grandparents copeEmphasising what helps grandparents cope

Support group developmentSupport group development

Moving from support groups that have Moving from support groups that have “just grown” to a support group structure “just grown” to a support group structure based on a solid framework of good based on a solid framework of good practice principlespractice principles

Ensuring they are well led and Ensuring they are well led and adequately resourcedadequately resourced

Providing training and on-going day-to-Providing training and on-going day-to-day support for coordinatorsday support for coordinators

Support groups in our townsSupport groups in our towns Anchoring support groups in our townsAnchoring support groups in our towns Reaching out as a community; Reaching out as a community;

establishing a “community coalition”establishing a “community coalition” Networking and engaging with local Networking and engaging with local

service organisationsservice organisations Encouraging community “self-help”Encouraging community “self-help” Establishing a register of volunteers to Establishing a register of volunteers to

assist grgs – property maintenance, assist grgs – property maintenance, repairs, carpentry, handyman jobs, repairs, carpentry, handyman jobs, shopping, respite careshopping, respite care

Increase “Strengthening Increase “Strengthening Families” capabilityFamilies” capability

Wonderful MSD initiativeWonderful MSD initiative Very empoweringVery empowering Work to make SF universally availableWork to make SF universally available Greater collaboration with other Greater collaboration with other

agencies/ngosagencies/ngos

Learning opportunitiesLearning opportunities

Continuing our Support Group Continuing our Support Group Coordinators training programme, noting Coordinators training programme, noting that the SGCs are themselves that the SGCs are themselves grandparents raising grandchildren and grandparents raising grandchildren and time is precioustime is precious

Providing more specialist learning Providing more specialist learning opportunities for grandparentsopportunities for grandparents

Continue the SALT programmeContinue the SALT programme

Providing the right toolsProviding the right tools One third of our families do not have One third of our families do not have

internet accessinternet access We need to put computers in homesWe need to put computers in homes We need to find a way of providing free We need to find a way of providing free

internet accessinternet access Major focus for GRG and a key driver of Major focus for GRG and a key driver of

our community coalition initiativeour community coalition initiative This has a major impact on learning This has a major impact on learning

opportunitiesopportunities

What do we need to do it?What do we need to do it?

Gain certainty of fundingGain certainty of funding Make a greater investment in advocacyMake a greater investment in advocacy Need to put the resources into the towns Need to put the resources into the towns

where the GRGs residewhere the GRGs reside Adopt a “community based” rather than Adopt a “community based” rather than

an “organisation based” approach in an “organisation based” approach in each town = community coalitioneach town = community coalition

FinallyFinally Thank you so much for your attendance Thank you so much for your attendance

and attention todayand attention today We are all part of the community which We are all part of the community which

must “do better by them”must “do better by them” When we next come to you, you will When we next come to you, you will

know exactly what we want to achieveknow exactly what we want to achieve You are an integral part of the solutionYou are an integral part of the solution Let’s give these children what most of us Let’s give these children what most of us

take for granted take for granted everydayeveryday