Grandparents as Parents Programme (GAPS) and Kinship Care is a service supporting the increasing number of Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren and carers that are raising other people's children. These important and valuable members of our community are a marginalised group who do not fit into any specific category recognised by institutions and agencies.
GAPS are grandparent/s who are full time carer/s of their grandchildren. They are in the role of primary caregivers. Although acknowledged by agencies as having specific needs the grandparents are often forced to fit into generic agency services, as there are very few tailored to meet their specific needs. Reasons for becoming a GAP
- Death of one or both of the grandchild's parents
- Higher rates of divorce
- Mental illness of grandchild's primary caregiver
- Neglect/abuse by one or both parents, or custodial parent partner
- Drug or alcohol abuse by one or both parents/custodial parent partner
- Imprisonment of one or both parents/custodial parent partner
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