In OZ Grandparents Get new powers as carers

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2009/07/20/85911_news.html

Grandparents get legal powers as carers
Margaret Linley
July 20th, 2009

GRANDPARENTS caring for their grandchildren will have the legal power to enrol them in kindergarten, sign school permission slips and give permission for medical procedures under a new State Government measure announced yesterday.
The Statutory Declaration for Informal Carers, enables carers to present a legal document to verify their status.

Child Safety Commissioner Bernie Geary said the new measure would make it easier for grandparents to do what they had already been doing. "Look, it's not earth shattering. It's designed to make it easer for care givers," Mr Geary said. "It means the carers can present to services and the statutory declaration says they are who they claim to be.

"The legality of it revolves around it being a statutory declaration. It's to assist in those day-to-day difficulties the carers are saying they are having."

Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said 8000 Victorian grandparents and relatives take on the care of children who are unable to live at home with their parents. "At times these are informal arrangements and we are taking action to ensure care-givers are recognised and can access the services they need for the children," she said. "We are committed to supporting and assisting relative carers in their difficult role of taking on the care of a relative's child."

The statutory declarations can be downloaded from www.ocsc.vic.gov.au or phone the Office of the Child Safety Commissioner on 1300 78 29 78.