Raising a child comes with many added stresses, not to mention a bigger financial burden for the parents, so when circumstances force grandparents into the same role, the burden gets amplified even more.
For those reasons, the Ministry of Children and Family Development are investing $100,000 a year from the ministry's existing fiscal plan for the Parent Support Services Society of B.C. to fund a new support line and e-mail for grandparents raising grandchildren.
"Grandparents raising their grandchildren 24/7 deserve recognition and applause," said Carol Ross, executive director of Parent Support Services of B.C. "They deserve every possible assistance we as a caring society can provide to ease their difficult journey."
In 2006, according to BC Statistics, more than 10,000 children in B.C. were being raised by their grandparents.
"Relatives who are caregivers for a family member's child come from all different walks of life, income levels and cultures," said Mary McNeil, minister of children and family development. "Although each family's situation is unique, caregivers share the need for information, support, services and resources. This new phone line will provide instant help and valuable information to caring individuals who have opened their hearts and homes to a family member's child."
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren organization requested the support service in 2011 in the form of a new education service to provide help and information to grandparents or other relatives raising a family
member's child.
Because some in older generations aren't comfortable online, a telephone service was preferred.
"Having someone within reach by phone and e-mail to help them navigate complex systems and find solutions is bound to make a positive difference in their lives," said Ross.
Skilled and experienced advocates will staff the phone line and provide e-mail support to help people understand their rights and obligations before and after assuming responsibility for
raising a family member's child.
The line will operate province-wide, Monday to Friday, for five hours a day. The hours will vary; however, if a client calls when the line is not open, they will receive a voicemail where they can leave a message for a call back.
In addition to the funding for the help line, the ministry is providing an additional $10,000 to update and reprint a legal guide to help grandparents to inform grandparents of their rights.
For more information visit www.parentsupportbc.ca.
