A family organization based in Burnaby got a boost earlier this week with the announcement it would be getting funds to run a unique support service.
The Parent Support Services Society of B.C. will get $100,000 from the Ministry of Children and Family Development to launch the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support line and email support.
It's estimated that about 10,000 children in B.C. are being raised by their grandparents.
The service was requested by the support group Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, to help people navigate and connect to resources, information, support systems and government agencies.
"This new support line will be a welcome and valuable step towards getting correct information as soon as we are approached by struggling grandparents," said Allan McLeod, a facilitator with the support group. "It is gratifying to see this fruition of our quest for recognition."
The line will be staffed by experienced advocates who will be able to help people understand their rights, obligations and options after assuming responsibility for raising a family member's child.
Barbara Whittington, a professor in the school of social work at the University of Victoria, called the line a "solid step toward truly supporting extended family caregivers" in a press release issued by the ministry.
"(Providing) care often means endless appointments, court dates, emotional turmoil, financial stress and juggling other family needs as well as love and good fun," she said.
The line was available as of Wednesday, at 604588-4740 in the Lower Mainland or 18554749777, toll free anywhere in B.C.
Alternatively, the support service can be accessed by email at GRGline@ parentsupportbc.ca.
It will operate Monday to Friday, for five hours per day.
The ministry also announced it would be giving the society $10,000 towards updating and reprinting a guide aimed at helping grandparents with legal matters.
The Parent Support Services Society is a nonprofit, volunteer-based group that promotes healthy parent-child relationships by supporting families and communities.
