A growing number of grandparents who reside throughout the Nakusp region, are dedicating support and resources in favour of raising their grandchildren as a means of helping the children or other relatives’ family members, especially during these trying economic times so many of us are facing at this time.

A non-profit organization known as the Parent Support Services Society of BC is in existence to provide information and assistance to grandparents or other relatives in order to navigate the complex service systems which are available. Its role is to help find the means of identifying the answers to problems including the support and other resources needed to help prevent or solve problems.

In addition, details concerning financial benefits and services which will support the entire family, may be available. A toll-freephone line at 1-855-474-9777 is available, staffed by two part-time advocates who have been trained in the fields of social work, family law and governmental services which pertain to kinship caregiving.

Having a grandchild who is facing difficulties including trouble with the law, can of course be highly stressful and confusing. Note that the best thing one can do is to seek professional help including those which are available within our own community or in other regional settings. The creation of a stable home for their grandchildren is a top priority for their grandparents, however it is important to access details of the processes and challenges involved in ensuring the child’s safety and well-being.

A wide range of alternative resources and options, which are open to those interested in assuming responsibility for a grandchild, including issues concerning guardianship, custody and adoption orders as well as other important concerns, is available by contacting the Parent Support Services Society of BC. An example would be the latest version of The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Legal Guide, which one can download from the internet.

Staff and volunteers associated with the local computer access centre located next to the school board office are also available to provide assistance to those wishing to read up on the various options provided for your information. The local public library is also an excellent resource, permitting access to a wide range of books and information concerned with the subjects of family law and divorce.

Family Justice Centres now operate across the province, intended to provide BC residents with services when the issues of separation and other support concerns require attention. These centres provide short-term counselling, mediation, emergency and community referrals in addition to many more services which will benefit grandparents and other relatives or family members.

For information call (toll free) 1-877-345-9777.