Tools for Grandparents

Over the past year the Keeping in Touch Newsletter  featured articles and resources for grandparents; particularly those raising their grandchildren and attending our programs.

In June of 2011 we featured the Parent Support Services of BC and their Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circles. According to 2006 census data, over 40,000 children are being raised by grandparents in Canada. 10,000 of these children are in British Columbia. To re-familiarize yourself with the work of this organization, visit their website.

In March of 2012 we featured the new Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Line by the same organization. This line is staffed by two (part time) skilled workers with backgrounds and training in social work, advocacy, family law and government services pertaining to kinship caregiving. Call the line at 604.558.4740 (Lower Mainland) or 1.855.474.9777 (toll free anywhere in BC).

We are now including resources developed by the Zero to Three: National Centre for Infants, Toddlers and Families from the States. These resources were developed to support grandparents in whatever role they play in the life of their young grandchildren. While many grandparents provide occasional care for their little ones, more and more grandparents are serving as the primary caregiver for their young grandchildren.

Please visit their website to look through the various resources available in both English and Spanish.