Grandcarers SA supports grandparents and other informal kinship carers who have taken on the primary care of children in their family. These FAQs provide a simple starting point for carers, families and professionals looking for information or support.

A Grandcarer is a grandparent or other kinship carer who has taken on the primary, usually full-time, care of a child or young person in their family. Many Grandcarers step into the caring role unexpectedly and through informal family arrangements, without formal foster care status or a court order.

No. You do not need formal guardianship, foster carer status or a court order to contact Grandcarers SA. We understand that many children are cared for through private or informal family arrangements.

No. You can contact Grandcarers SA directly and self-refer. A referral is not required.

New clients complete a Client Registration Form. This can be completed online through the Grandcarers SA website https://grandcarers.au/contact/#registration or you can contact us for assistance. (See last question). A team member will contact you after your registration is received.

No. Registration and Grandcarers SA services are free of charge.

Grandcarers SA provides practical and personal support which may include individual assistance with information, counselling and referrals, connection with other carers through our Village meetings, workshops and social activities, and practical help via our Education and Development Fund, Foodbank Vouchers, Youth Camps, and Christmas Giveaway.
The support available will depend on individual circumstances, eligibility and the programs and funding available at the time. Contact us for more information.

Grandcarers SA can provide general information, help you identify relevant services and support you to work through questions about your caring role. We are not a substitute for specialist legal, financial or Centrelink advice. Where appropriate we can help direct you to a suitable service.

Grandcarers SA is not able to provide general income support or ongoing carer payments. However, registered clients not in receipt of a Foster Carer Payment may be able to apply for limited assistance through specific programs, including the Education and Development Fund, subject to eligibility, available funding and current guidelines.

Yes. Grandcarers SA supports carers across South Australia. Some services, activities and Village meetings are location-based, and regional outreach opportunities vary, so contact us to find out what is currently available in your area.

Grandcarers SA treats personal information in confidence and uses it to provide and improve support to clients. If you have questions about how your information is handled, please ask a team member.

No. Grandcarers SA is an independent, incorporated non-government organisation. It receives operational funding from the South Australian Department for Child Protection, philanthropic foundations and donations and works with government and community organisations where this benefits carers, while remaining independent.

You can help by volunteering, donating, partnering with us, sharing information about our services, or helping raise awareness of the challenges faced by grandparent and kinship carers. Contact us to find out about current opportunities.

• Phone: 08 8212 1937
• Email contactus@grandcarers.au,
• Visit https://grandcarers.au/
• Call in at 30 Pitt Street, Adelaide SA 5000. The office is currently open Monday to Thursday, 9.30 am to 4.00 pm.