Irrespective of the State, grandparents' issues with the child protection authorities were consistent across the country. Grandparents believe that although the stated principles of child protection are the care and protection of the children, invariably it seems that the parent's needs come first. They believe that definitions of neglect and abuse often leave children in unsafe situations, but it is difficult for grandparents to prove the children are at risk when they are with the parents. Grandparents feel that maintenance of the family unit is narrowly interpreted as keeping parents and children together at all costs and that it would be more helpful to focus on the child's needs and ensure that they are raised in the healthiest environment.
I am an aboriginal grandmother. When I applied for custody of my 3 oldest grandchildren the social worker wrote in his report that they come from 2 generations of dysfunctional families. This was based on a 20 minute interview!! But the court's decision will be based on that report. (Grandmother 53, Grandchildren 8, 10, 12 & 13)
There is a high level of resentment about treatment by child protection authorities regarding promised support and assistance, which is then not forthcoming. All grandparents suffer from a lack of respite from children. It is even more difficult to obtain for grandparents whose grandchildren come under the child protection authorities because child protection authorities will not allow grandparents to leave the children with anyone unless they have a police check and it appears that these checks are not being carried out.
The system of child protection as practiced in Australia, within and between States and Territories and the Commonwealth jurisdictions, is complex and bewildering for grandparents. Grandparents are often mystified by the decisions of child protection authorities, which seem detrimental to the grandchildren's well-being, for example, separation of siblings and not promoting opportunities for them to enjoy time together.
Once a carer who cares for two of my other grandchildren wanted to put them in our care for a weekend but [child protection authority] said no to this, that they would put them into respite care if they needed a break. The carers of our other grandchildren feel the same as we do and say no to respite care with strangers. (Grandparent couple 64 & 67, Grandchildren 6 & 8)
Grandparents complain that child protection authorities do not provide the support services they request or information about entitlement to payments, Centrelink benefits or other support that is available.
I had no help from [child protection authority] when all this started. I just got sent from one department to another. Nobody wanted to know, as according to them the children weren't neglected as they were left with me. (Grandmother 60, Grandchildren 8, 10 & 12)
When first requested by [child protection authority] to have these children, we were not advised about any services or assistance which was available, neither financial, advisory, respite or legal. There was no advice or suggestion as to what the position would be if we got sick. (Grandparent couple 66 & 63, Grandchild 12)
Grandparents are often afraid to complain or to take legal action in case the child protection authority take children away.
Grandparents in every State said that a complaints mechanism or ombudsman is needed to oversee child protection authorities; somewhere that is independent and with the power to investigate complaints.
I made repeated requests to [child protection authority] for assistance, e.g. financial, counselling, legal support only to be told they "only care for children in crisis and now they are with you they are safe". I was once told "To get back to us when they stop breathing and we will do something." They have even been caught lying to avoid being involved. We're in the too hard / complex basket. I have no access to medical care because I don't have a Medicare card for the children. (Grandfather 67, Grandchildren 10 & 12)
Grandparents do acknowledge that child protection authorities are under-resourced and that most staff want to help them but do not have the time or resources.
The staff of this department are all hard-working and obliging but with present arrangements are badly under-staffed. (Grandparents at workshop)