Useful supports & services
There are a number of useful resources on the web that are a good starting point when researching particular issues or concerns. I have grouped some of the most useful here. If you come across other sites that you think would also be useful, feel free to email me at kinshipcare@sncc.org.au
PARENTING WEBSITES:
The Raising Children Network has a wide range of resources categorised by age of child, from newborn through to early teens and includes information about typical behaviours, communication, development, health, nutrition, play, safety and sleep needs. In 2012 video and text resources aimed at grandparents raising grandchildren & other kinship carers will be added to the site. Another attraction of the site are the parent/carer discussion forums where parenting issues can be discussed; one of the forums is aimed at grandparents and kinship carers. http://raisingchildren.net.au/
FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
Centrelink
Centrelink provides a range of financial supports to parents/carers. These include Family Tax Benefit, Child Care benefit, Parenting Payment, Double Orphan Pension, Health Care Card, Baby bonus among others. You may be eligible for these supports regardless of whether you have care of the children through formal means via a court order, or through an informal family arrangement. Eligibility criteria however do apply, including income tests. Contact the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50 or http://www.familyassist.gov.au/ for more information.
Centrelink also employs grandparent advisors to assist grandparents caring full time for their grandchildren to access appropriate Centrelink entitlements and services as well as lcoal community supports. Currently there are 2 grandparent advisors in NSW, based at Caringbah(servicing Northern Beaches to Sydney South) and Penrith(Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Penrith and western Sydney region). These advisors can be contacted on 1800 245 965.
Community Services(formerly DOCS)
Community Services provide a statutory care allowance to relative/kinship carers who have custody via the children's court. This allowance is the same rate as that provided to foster carers, and is meant to cover day to day costs such as clothing, hobbies, schooling, gifts, car restraints etc. Other allowances may be made in addition to the base allowance if the child has special needs, or if there is a need for any contingency payments such as establishment costs, respite, tutoring or ongoing therapy. These items need to be negotiated with a caseworker, and should be put into a caseplan. Kinship carers who have care of children through the family law courts or informally may make a request for financial support. If Community Service staff agree that child/ren would be in need of care and protection if they were returned to their parent(s), carers will receive the supported care allowance. For more information, contact your local Community Service centre:
Blacktown - 9852 3200
Hawkesbury - 4574 6666
Katoomba - 4782 8500
Mt Druitt - 8887 7400
Penrith - 4722 7300
St Marys - 9851 4100
Further information is available at http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/welcome_to_docs_website.html.
KINSHIP CARE/OUT OF HOME CARE SPECIFIC SERVICES:
Mirabel
Mirabel is an Australian Children's Charity based in Victoria that has been operating in NSW since 2003. Mirabel assists children who have been orphaned or abandoned due to parental illicit drug use and are now in the care of extended family/kinship care. Mirabel provides a variety of programs for children aged 0-17 years and their carers. For more information see http://www.mirabelfoundation.org.au/
Connecting Carers
Connecting Carers provides a range of supports to kinship carers, particularly those who are also statutory carers. They provide camps, training sessions, activities, host a 24 hour helpline and run support groups in NSW. For more information contact the local regional coordinator for the Metropolitan West region, Sue O'Connor on 0439 476 234 or metwest@connectingcarersnsw.com.au, or see http://www.connectingcarersnsw.com.au.
The Pyjama Foundation
The Pyjama Foundation is an Australian children’s charity established in 2004 that aims to support children in out of home care (ie. children not living with a parent) with reading and literacy support via a volunteer mentoring program. Volunteers can also help with homework. Aimed at babies through to 16 years. Referrals are sought from the Western Sydney region, including Blacktown, Penrith, Hawkesbury & Blue Mountain regions. Referrals can be made via DOCS caseworkers, through an agency providing out of home care services, or through arrangement with a kinship care group if you are raising a child through a family law or informal arrangement. For further information about the Pyjama Foundation, contact Lisa on 9672 6893 or see http://www.thepyjamafoundation.com/index.htm
OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES:
Support Coordination Program for Older Carers
Aims to help older parents or grandparents, 60 years plus who are caring for a son/dtr/grandchild with a disability. The disability does not have to be formally diagnosed, but may include behavioural issues or attachment problems. The program provides flexible supports tailored to the needs of the individual carer. Anglicare's program covers Penrith, Hawkesbury & Blue Mountains. Contact them on 4731 8399.
Shine for kids
Shine for kids is a not for profit organisation supporting children, young people and their families affected by parental involvement in the criminal justice system. They offer parent/carer support groups and regular family recreational activities, mentoring programs for young people, financial support with childrens' educational needs, plus facilitate child/parent activity days in prison. http://www.shineforkids.org.au/about_us/index.htm
Aunties & Uncles
Aunties & Uncles is an early intervention mentoring program aimed at preschool(out of nappies) and primary school aged children up to the age of 12, who could benefit from stronger social and community networks. Their website states "Recognising need and reaching out for support is a sign of strength and good parenting. It acknowledges that 'it takes a community to raise a child', and assists you in giving your child the best possible foundation for life." Support is provided once/month for a varying period of time once a volunteer is matched with the family. In western Sydney, they only currently operate in the Blacktown area. Contact the main office on 9638 2480 or for more information look at http://auntiesanduncles.org.au/.
Barnardos
Barnados is a children's charity that offers a range of children & family services in the Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains and Penrith areas, with some services extending further afield. Programs include the Kids Friend mentoring program which matches children aged 6-16 with volunteers who provide monthly mentoring and fun activities, and the Family Respite Care service which provides a full weekend of respite once/month once a family is matched with your child/children for ongoing support. Support is targeted to families with less support networks, including kinship care families. For more information see http://www.barnardos.org.au/barnardos/html/penrith_centres.cfm or contact Barnardos Penrith on 4729 1211.