RESEARCH PROJECT TARGETS GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDKIDS

VICTORIA – Grandparents who raise their grandchildren will benefit from a $75,000 grant to support research being done through the Parents Support Services Society of B.C., Children and Family Development Minister Tom Christensen announced today.

“Grandparents can – and often do – play a crucial role when they take on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren,” said Christensen. “Providing these grandparents with more information and resources is consistent with my ministry’s mandate of building collaborative, family-oriented and community-centered approaches to child welfare.”

The money will help fund a research project called ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren’ aimed at helping the society better serve its clients. A partnership between the society and the University of Victoria’s School of Social Work, the project will examine the legal issues grandparents face when raising their grandchildren, and present solutions to various government ministries and community organizations.

Researchers will speak with grandparents in North Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, Prince George and the Interior to identify and document their legal issues. They will also meet with other stakeholders including MLAs, family law lawyers, ministry officials, health, education and social service providers.

“We want to support grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. This project will help to better understand the unique circumstances they face,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “We recognize the importance of children being cared for by their family members, including their grandparents."

In 2006, more than 6,300 children were living with a grandparent in B.C. Many times, those grandparents face unique legal issues such as custody issues, visitation issues and enforcement of orders.

“The goal of government is to support programs that will help achieve better outcomes for children and their families,” said Katherine Whittred, North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA. “Grandparents can make ideal care providers because there already is a family and cultural connection.”

“We appreciate the support from the Government of British Columbia,” said Carol Ross, executive director of the Parent Support Services Society of B.C. “It’s encouraging to know the Province is working with us on addressing the unique issues families face when children are being raised by their grandparents.”

The ministries of Education and Employment and Income Assistance each contributed $15,000 toward the total of $75,000. The research project will be completed in December and the findings released next year.

The Parent Support Services Society of B.C. is a non-profit society that works to prevent child abuse and to promote healthy relationships by supporting parents, families, and communities.

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Media contact:	Seumas Gordon Media Relations Officer Ministry of Children and Family Development 250 356-2939 250 818-4508 (cell)

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