Grandparents

Although society has changed in many ways over the years, the role of caring for grandchildren is still a large part of people's lives. We have included this page to assist grandparents in their caring and to let you know what services, support and information is out there specifically for you and your grandchildren.

We have included some 'home grown' websites as well as overseas that together produce a wealth of information and support for grandparents.

Links to New Zealand Websites

Links to Overseas Websites

Safekids and Age Concern working together

Links to New Zealand Websites

Age Concern New Zealand

Age Concern New Zealand has updated their informative factsheet titled "The Changing Face of Grandparenting". "The relationship between a grandparent and grandchild can be mutually fulfilling and rewarding for both the older person and the younger child. Grandparenting is not necessarily confined to the natural grandparents: a family friend or a neighbour sometimes fulfils this important role."

Barnardos

Barnardos has worked in New Zealand for more than 30 years within the community to help New Zealand children receive the care, education and support they need in order to grow and reach their potential.

Barnardos provide a range of care, education and support services developed specifically for New Zealand children and their families.

Child Protection Services - Training

CPS provides training to individuals and organisations throughout New Zealand, through NZQA-recognised courses, and workshops. You will find details on all courses and workshops, the current calendar, and information about enrolling.

CPS Training (CPS) is a national charitable trust with its headquarters in Hamilton, dedicated to preventing child abuse in New Zealand. CPS addresses the underlying causes of child maltreatment. As a strong advocate for the rights of children, CPS promotes, encourages and supports prevention activities and efforts at the local and national level

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

The project was born from local needs within North Shore City. A group of concerned Grandparents whose role is the primary caregiver of their grandchildren found that their situation was unique and stressful.

The grandparents take on the responsibility for these children because of the severe social, emotional and psychological problems experienced by their own adult children or partners, which have put their grandchildren at risk.

Their website offers information and support - a must to view. www.grg.org.nz

HIPPY

This is a home-based programme that helps parents create experiences for their children that lay the foundation for success in school and later life. The programme was designed specifically for those parents who may not feel comfortable in their own abilities to teach their children.

Te Köhanga Reo

Te Köhanga Reo is a total immersion te reo Mäori whänau (family) programme for mokopuna (young children) from birth to six years of age to be raised within its whänau Mäori, where the language of communication will be Mäori. The operation and decision making of each Köhanga Reo is the responsibility of the whole whänau within the guidelines set down by Te Köhanga Reo National Trust Board. The Trust board and the whänau Köhanga Reo administer the kaupapa to ensure the safety and well-being of the mokopuna and the whänau and to ensure the survival of te reo Mäori.

Office of the Commissioner for Children

The Office of the Commissioner for Children was established under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989 to monitor and review policy and practice under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act and to promote the welfare of children and young people and ensure that their rights are recognised.

Parents as First Teachers

The Parents as First Teachers (PAFT) programme in New Zealand is a parent education and support programme that helps parents understand how their infant develops and learns and how best they can help their child reach his or her full potential.

Playcentre

Playcentre is a Parent Co-operative that is unique to New Zealand. It provides Early Childhood Education as well as Parent Education modules on all aspects of children’s learning. Playcentre is based on the importance of parents as educators of their own children, and views children as people who are strong and capable and who are competent to make their own choices about how and where to play (child initiated play). It is internationally recognised

The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society (Inc.)

The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society's national nursing adviser, Angela Baldwin, said in a media release that grandparents had a positive role in families and communities in New Zealand.

"Grandparents are special people. Even though many young families may not live as close to their extended family as they once did retired people and grandparents are a very important part of a caring society and contribute a great deal to making our communities friendlier and more supportive places to live in."

Safekids

Age Concern Partner with Safekids

The Safekids Campaign is co-ordinated by Safekids New Zealand in partnership with government and non-government agencies and more than 90 community coalitions. The Campaign has a year-long focus on specific child injury issues. It holds this focus from October each year until the following October.

Why the Need for A Campaign?

Currently, unintentional injury is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 – 14 years in New Zealand.

The Safekids Campaign seeks to raise awareness and foster behaviour and encourage environmental changes that allow New Zealand’s children to live safe, happy and healthy lives.

Safekids Campaign 2007/ 08 Launch Date 2007! Themes: Drowning Prevention and Cycle Safety. This year the Safekids Campaign will be launched on Friday, October the 12th 2007.

The Safekids Campaign aims to keep child safety top of mind and to enhance long term work already being undertaken by many of the organisations which support it. Organisations that have supported the Campaign include ACC, Age Concern, Auckland Burn Support Group Charitable Trust, the Injury Prevention Network of Aotearoa (IPNANZ), Land Transport New Zealand, the Ministry of Health, the New Zealand Police, NZ Fire Service, Plunket, and Water Safety New Zealand.

Information about the Campaign can be obtained by visiting www.safekids.org.nz, contacting Safekids New Zealand on (09) 820 1199 or (03) 455 4242, by emailing campaign@safekids.org.nz or attending an Information & Planning Day being held throughout New Zealand in April and May.

Links to Overseas Websites

Grandparenting is a diverse website that has a realistic approach to raising and caring for grandchildren. The website includes a grandmother's and grandfather's page, a forum for discussion, step-grandparenting, long distance grandparenting and classes.

Grandtimes offers an array of thought provoking and interesting topics at the touch of your mouse, including Tips on Teaching Your Grandkids To Help Others, Twenty Ways to Be an Amazing Grandfather , How to Connect Long Distance with Grandkids, After Divorce: Grandchildren & the In-Laws, Step-Grandparenting.

Third Age website offers some further reading with the topics including, Grandparents Making a touch trade and a grandparents support group. The website also offers a variety of information that you may enjoy.

Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional.

Website last updated 04/12/2008