It is feared more than 65 children being raised by their grandparents in the Maitland area will face health issues and hardship when federal government funding for a key worker ceases in June.
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The government plans to axe the annual $100,000 grant that enables the sole worker in the Hunter, through the Samaritans, to liaise with 11 grandparent support groups and keep them running.
That key worker, Karen Lizasoain, said several grandparent support groups could collapse without the vital help they received and she feared for the welfare of hard-pressed carers.
Ms Lizasoain’s concerns were backed by Samaritans CEO Cec Shevels.
“We support 150 kinship carers and we are appealing to the federal government to please continue with this funding to enable grandparents to continue looking after their grandchildren,” he said.
“Karen Lizasoain has done an excellent job over eight years ensuring the 11 grandparent support groups in the Hunter can function.
“These 11 groups have been very effective in helping grandparents to bring up their grandchildren.”
Ms Lizasoain said: “If this government funding ceases, it will leave a lot of desperate grandparents without services.
“I also train volunteers and I am the sole worker in the Hunter, covering groups from Maitland, Singleton, Gloucester, Morisset and the areas in between.
“These 65 children in the Maitland area will be at risk if funding stops and these are just the ones we know of. There may be scores more.
“The numbers of grandparents caring for their grandchildren is increasing, but government funding has not risen.
“Many of these grandparents are elderly, looking after grandchildren whose parents are in dire straits, often through alcohol or drugs.
“Without this government funding, I fear many of these support groups will fold and dozens of kids will face physical and mental health issues.
“I also believe many carers will be in danger because they are in an emotional minefield, dealing with the situations.
“So many carers are themselves distraught and I fear for their welfare too.”
Grandparents Support Group East Maitland co-ordinator Bev Steggles said: “Karen’s work is vital to enable us to function.
“She visits all the support groups and knows where to get them the help they need in a whole range of issues.
“All the support groups face problems and it is vital to have someone who can be an advocate for them.”
Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon also called on the government not to cut the funding for Ms Lizasoain’s job.
The Department of Social Services could not be contacted for comment on Sunday.
Extract from a letter from two grandparents caring for their grandchildren, sent to the Department of Social Services:
"Like other grandparents, my husband and I have retired.
We received a phone call from the police in the middle of the night to pick up our three young grandchildren.
As the months and years rolled by, we have recognised how necessary it is to have a group like Grandparents Support Group.
The people we meet are like a family where we are given support by fabulous volunteers and other carers.
It is often a relief to talk to others who understand and who debrief us from pent-up stress. We feel safe because they are non-judgemental and confidential.
My plea is that Karen’s funding be renewed and continued for years to come.”