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GRANDCARE Wanslea Family Services

GRANDCARE Wanslea Family Services. Kerry Blom Grandcare Coordinator. GRANDCARE. Context “Thelma and Jack’s” story.

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GRANDCARE Wanslea Family Services

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  1. GRANDCAREWanslea Family Services Kerry Blom Grandcare Coordinator

  2. 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

  3. 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

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

  5. GRANDCARE • 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

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

  7. 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

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

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

  10. 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

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

  12. 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

  13. GRANDCARE • Conclusion • “Gary’s” Story Thank You GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006

  14. GRANDCARE Contact Details Kerry Blom Grandcare Coordinator Wanslea Family Services PO Box 1640, East Victoria Park, WA, 6981 Tel: 08 9361 8277. Fax: 08 9361 8644 Email: kblom@wanslea.asn.au GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006

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