GRANDPARENTS FOR GRANDCHILDREN

In reply to the Hon. J.A. DARLEY (10 March 2011).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling): The Minister for Families and Communities is advised:

The South Australian Government is committed to supporting grandparent carers in South Australia.

Grandparents for Grandchildren have received significant support from the South Australian Government including the following financial assistance provided by the Department for Families and Communities (DFC):

$19,500 from Community Benefit SA (CBSA), in June 2006;

$20,000 from CBSA, in December 2006;

$25,000 from CBSA, in June 2008;

$5,000 from Community Connect, for training from the Community Business Bureau to develop strategic and operational skills and capabilities, 2008;

Financial support to assist in the establishment of an office in the Torrens Building, Adelaide, including removalist costs, office equipment and furniture towards the accommodation;

$5,000 from the Chief Executive's Discretionary Fund (CEDF) for the refurbishment of the current premises in Wright St, Adelaide, in April 2009 (paid directly to the University City Project); and

$6,000 contribution to the rent of the current premises, in May 2009, for the period 25 May 2009 to 31 May 2010 (not yet acquitted).

In February 2010, $10,000 was provided to Grandparents for Grandchildren from the Chief Executive's Discretionary Fund.

A further offer of funding will be made to Centacare to provide a support role for Grandparents for Grandchildren. This will be for a period of 12 months to enable the arrangement to be trialled.