About (GAP) Grandparents as Parents
With the number of grandparents accepting the primary responsibilty for their grandchildren growing each year, the Grandparents as Parents Program provides not only a support service, but a lifeline.
Grandchildren may come to live with their grandparents for a variety of reasons; including neglect, abuse, domestic violence, death, mental health, physical disability, and parental drug and alcohol abuse.
Grandparents who undertake the primary care responsibility for their grandchildren make a positive difference to the children’s lives by providing a safe, stable and caring family environment. They are special people, who face a range of social, emotional and health issues associated with their decision. Many of these issues are heightened by their own age, health and financial circumstances, as well as the impact of the children’s experiences prior to coming into their care.
Access to relevant information and support greatly assists these grandparents to cope with their new family circumstances and meet the needs of the children in their care.
Community Solutions
Community Solutions is a unique, not-for-profit community service organisation which recognises the significant and sustainable outcomes that can be achieved when the resources of communities, business, government and individuals are brought together to target issues of concern and opportunity in regional communities. The organisation specialises in the provision of innovative services and essential community assets to individuals and regional communities which are disadvantaged and require benevolent relief.
Funded through the Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Community Solutions' GAP Program supports grandparent carers with direct advocacy and support, group activities and a social program to bring grandparent carers together and address issues of social isolation.
Furthermore, this website contains helpful information on a range of topics, as well as the contact details for Government departments and organisations which can support grandparent carers, particularly those who care for their grandchildren on a full time basis.
The site is most relevant to grandparents living in the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay regions of Queensland and caring for grandchildren aged 0 – 12 years.
