Grandparenting Help Sheet

This help sheet for grandparents will provide useful information on where to obtain support and advice on the issues that a grandparent might face.

Intergenerational relationships can have the capacity to provide a direct positive impact on a young people’s health and well-being, from childhood through to adulthood. However, there are times when grandparents may face challenges in their role within the family.

In a report produced by Seniors Rights Victoria in 2020, which reviewed issues in SRV cases, the main challenges for grandparents were:

• Being estranged from grandchildren
• The threat of alienation used to coerce grandparents into providing financial support (e.g. paying for school fees)
• Feeling pressure to provide financial or other support for grandchildren
• Issues relating to informal and casual caregiving and
• Being concerned for the safety of their grandchildren in the face of family violence.

SRV Principal Lawyer and Manager, Dr. Rebecca Edwards said “grandparents will sometimes express concern for their grandchildren’s safety in a family violence situation. Grandparents can be instrumental in ensuring the well-being of grandchildren in these circumstances.

“Seniors Rights Victoria can refer grandparents to other services which can assist in the protection of grandchildren when family violence occurs.”

Download the brochure here.

To seek advice or support contact SRV Helpline on 1300 368 821.