About Us
We improve the welfare of children by supporting Grandparent and Kinship Carers
We work with you
Established in 2002, Grandparents For Grandchildren is a not-for-profit organisation staffed by a team of experienced volunteers. GFGSA believes that all children have the right to feel safe and secure.
We provide a unique support service to Grandparent and Kinship Carers who have taken on this responsibility.
History
- GFGSA began as a small group of concerned Grandparents meeting in a lounge room to find ways to help their at-risk Grandchildren
- Word spread, Governments began to listen and GFGSA was offered a small, shared office space in the Torrens Building on Victoria Square
- The group of grandparents had become frustrated by having the responsibility of being primary carers of their grandchildren but were unable legally to make decisions on their behalf, primarily in regard to education and health issues
- With the support of Government, GFGSA developed the Informal Relative Caregiver’s Statutory Declaration which addresses this inequity and similar instruments are now being used in other Australian states
- As GFGSA grew, a base of volunteers began to emerge and a new larger office was established at 104 Wright Street Adelaide, opposite the Youth Court. This allowed for direct client consultation and regular meetings and information sessions for clients
- The service began extending its network to members of the legal fraternity and other NFP organisations and began raising community awareness and lobbying for a change of legislation wording in the Child Protection Act to include grandparents. This remains today
- Client growth during this period averaged 60 new clients a year plus ongoing work with existing clients
- The second iteration of GFGSA commenced with an all-new team. It was transformed from a cottage industry to a professional organisation
- GFGSA was re-branded
- A highly acclaimed, yet resourceful website was created and developed by GFGSA staff
- GFGSA’s presence was launched on all social media platforms
- Relocated to larger, purpose-built offices in the heart of the legal precinct in Adelaide’s CBD at 345 King William Street
- High-end IT infrastructure was acquired incorporating four servers, a network of almost twenty PCs, multi-line phone system and an online sms facility
- Sophisticated databases were developed in-house to manage information and interactivity with clients, grant providers and funders
- GFGSA acquired its first vehicle and the highly successful Mobile Outreach Service (MOS) was launched to deliver service statewide
- GFGSA was the first NGO to be awarded STARservice recognition by the government acknowledging standards of professionalism and integrity
- The GFGSA Village Program was subsequently developed and launched as an integral adjunct to the MOS
- The unique Grandcarers’ Education, Arts and Sports Fund Program was developed now distributing more than $100,000 annually to Grandcarers and their Grandchildren
- Client growth has dramatically increased from an average of 60 new clients per annum to more than 350
- The number of GFGSA Carer Advocates has grown from 1 to 7
- GFGSA is currently involved with more than 14,000 SA family members
- Two new iterations of our Constitution were established with the current in late 2020
- Eleven Premier’s Awards for Excellence have been won by various GFGSA staff, GFGSA Programs, and GFGSA itself
- Finalist on three occasions in the prestigious Governor’s Multicultural Awards and winner for the Community Sector in 2021!
- A new, revitalised, skills based Board has gradually been assembled to lead GFGSA governance into the future
Our Vision
Is of a community in which all children and young people are cared for and kept safe in a nurturing, family environment and that the role of grandparents and kinship carers is recognised, supported and valued.
Our Mission
To empower grandparents and kinship carers to access and care for their grandchildren by providing them with reliable information and support.
Constitution
Our most recent constitution was approved by the board in January 2021.
Reports
Our Staff
CEO
Joanne Lauritsen
Senior Carer Advocate
Colleen Hanlon
Finance Officer
Elena Balanchuk
Web Designer/Digital Media
Bill Syrmas
Carer Advocates
Margaret McClure
Shontelle Maio
Chio Calderon-Silva
Kerry Daly
Jennifer Simpson
Cultural Officer
Takako Biber
Our Board
