GRANDPARENTS play a vital role in preventing youth homelessness, with an estimated 23,000 grandparent families taking care of more than 31,000 children in Australia.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Most recent Census analysis revealed that there are just over 8000 families in Australia where grandparents are raising grandchildren.
National youth homelessness prevention charity Kids Under Cover has used Homelessness Week (August 1-7) to highlight the importance of continuing direct investment to support grandparents to operate as support networks.
"Grandparents become the primary carers of their grandchildren through varied sets of circumstances," said the charity's chief executive Jo Swift.
"But studies have shown that the dominant reason for raising grandhildren was parents' substance abuse (in more than two-thirds of families), followed by child neglect, parents' mental illness and domestic violence.
"In most cases a combination of factors exists.
"It's these grandparents taking up the responsibilities of raising the next generation who are essential in helping prevent an even greater rise in youth homelessness across Australia."
Ms Swift said Kids Under Cover met the grandparents of at-risk young people every day.
"They delay their retirement, change their work practices, struggle to meet their financial obligations alongside dealing with the stress of parenting.
"They deserve to be honoured during this important week."
Ms Swift said almost 20 per cent of grandparents who became carers of children wanted to change their housing but were unable to, due to cost.
Kids Under Cover helps by providing relocatable studios that are built in the backyards of grandparents and others across the country.
The studio program provides adequate, secure housing for young people, and provides relief for those struggling with overcrowding.
More than 3000 young people and their families have been helped since the program began.
"When you suddenly find yourself, as a grandparent, having to accommodate the needs of children, a Kids Under Cover studio can be a vital asset," Ms Swift said.
"A young person can remain connected to their families and support networks, and it can give the grandparent respite.
"With 62 per cent of grandparent carers stating that their health had deteriorated since taking on the responsibilities of raising their grandchildren, it is important we take care of the carers as they are the frontline in youth homelessness prevention."
Kids Under Cover, 1800-801-633, www.kuc.org.au
