Wednesday, September 09, 2009

MEDIA RESPONSE

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Research

NZ Family & Foster Care Federation Response

The New Zealand Family and Foster Care Federation welcomes the publication of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren most recent research which was completed by Jill Worrall and hopes Government will read and respond to its findings.

Acting Chief Executive, Mr Tony Saxon says “This is an excellent publication which helps highlight the challenges faced by family and foster carers particularly, grandparents when they find themselves caring for the some of the most vulnerable children and young people living in New Zealand.”

Mr Saxon, went on to say “The findings of the research and its 9 recommendations provide an opportunity for a whole of government response and a very real occasion for inter-agency collaboration (government and non government) for those agencies concerned with the care of New Zealand children and young people who find themselves unable to live with their parents.”

The number of children and young people placed in extended family and foster care is increasing in New Zealand and on any given night around 10,000.00 to 15, 000.00 children are unable to sleep in the same home as their parents because their parents are unable or unwilling to care for them.

Mr Saxon said he looks forward to the opportunity of working with Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Government and other agencies in addressing many of the Reports Recommendations.

ends

© Scoop Media