MEDIA RELEASE

1 August 2007

We know where the grandparents are.

In response to the call by politicians and media “Where are all the extended family?”

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ™ NZ (GRG) knows what happens when kin step up to help their families/whanau in crisis.

Recent data suggests that 7000 kin are caring for in excess of 15,000 children. This data was released in April 2007 in response to the numbers recorded by Work & Income who are receiving the Unsupported Child Benefit released by then Minister David Benson-Pope.

A huge contribution has already been made by extended families to keep at risk kin children safe with little financial and social support or regard for their own needs.

Research undertaken by GRG Trust in 2005 presented many recommendations, in regard to achieving the welfare of these children and the families who support them and still nothing has been done.

ENDS

http://www.grg.org.nz

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