It depends on the timing. If the family has made a choice to put their children with grandparents or another family member and the system is unaware and hasn’t been involved, we don’t have the ability to engage. If the family had indicated that they’re having problems and they’re struggling and they weren’t meeting the needs and they engage the system through a voluntary mechanism and then through a plan of care it was decided that the children would benefit from spending time with the grandparents while the parents work on their challenges, in that scenario we would be able to provide support. But if they do it without engaging the system, the system doesn’t know, doesn’t have a plan of care, doesn’t have a plan, hasn’t worked with the parents to see what the parents’ long-term plans are and how we can help those parents get to the point they need, in that scenario the family made decisions we weren’t aware of, we weren’t engaged. I would encourage them strongly to go to income support. If families are having problems, I would encourage them to engage the system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Glen Abernethy on Question 314-17(5): Support For Grandparents Caring For Grandchildren
In the Legislative Assembly on May 30th, 2014. See this statement in context.
Question 314-17(5): Support For Grandparents Caring For Grandchildren
Oral Questions
May 29th, 2014
See context to find out what was said next.