I support the extended family fosters. I support grandparents becoming foster parents when there is a risk of abuse or neglect within a family. But there are situations where families are making choices regardless of whether there’s risk of neglect or abuse. I want to find ways to support and we are working, but we do need to be cautious. Paying some grandparents to look after grandchildren when there is no risk of abuse or neglect would open the door for all grandparents to expect payment when they agree to look after their grandchildren. We need to ensure that we’re focusing on grandparents who are in financial need or difficulty, and the integrated approach that I talked to trying to break down the barriers to find support will provide those grandparents who are in financial difficulty, but still taking on children, some opportunities. In the meantime, if there is an issue of finances and they do want some money, they can come to the Department of Health and Social Services and actually fully engage within the child and family services division in a voluntary capacity and receive foster support. Thank you.
Glen Abernethy on Question 759-17(5): Supporting Grandparents Caring For Grandchildren
In the Legislative Assembly on March 6th, 2015. See this statement in context.
Question 759-17(5): Supporting Grandparents Caring For Grandchildren
Oral Questions
March 5th, 2015
See context to find out what was said next.