Grandcarers support scheme launched
/
Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney this morning welcomed news that applications are now open for the State’s first Grandcarers Support Scheme, which will offer financial assistance to an estimated 2,500 grandparents who care full-time for their grandchildren.
Mr Blayney said the pilot scheme for grandparents who care for grandchildren is a first for WA with funds for grandcarers available for the 2014 school year.
He urged grandcarers to apply for the funding - a $400 payment for the first child under 16 and $250 each for other children, to help buy books and uniforms for the new school year.
Mr Blayney said some grandparents take on the demanding and costly role of caring for their grandchildren full-time, after raising their own children.
And he said it was important to recognise the tremendous sacrifices that grandcarers make. Some even have to change their plans for the future to look after grandchildren.
Mr Blayney said every eligible grandparent who applies will receive financial support through this scheme.
“This is Western Australia’s first support scheme for grandcarers, meeting the Liberal National Government’s pre-election commitment to support grandparents who look after an estimated 4,000 children,” her said.
A further $100,000 will go to Wanslea Family Services - the community organisation administering the grandcarers scheme - to expand its range of support services including respite, an information line and nine support groups across WA.
Fact File
- Grandcarers are biologically, legally or culturally definable grandparents, who are at least one generation separated from their grandchild;
- Those who receive Department for Child Protection and Family Support foster carer funding are not eligible;
- For further information, visit the Wanslea website at http://www.wanslea.asn.au or phone 1800 794 909.
