Hon Paula Bennett
Minister for Social Development
Minister of Youth Affairs
22 June 2012
Media Statement
Grandparents raising grandchildren to get Toolbox
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has announced that a tailored version of the Toolbox parenting programme will
be provided free to grandparents raising grandchildren.
“We asked the Parenting Place to provide practical support through the Toolbox programme for people who take in and care
for children.”
“This is a specific, tailored programme that will help grandparents raising grandchildren with the skills to parent
today’s children,” says Mrs Bennett.
“They do a tough job considering many are caring for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or
neglect – they need this.”
The tailored resource includes nine hours of practical parenting advice on DVD with a manual, which carers can work
their way through at home.
Thousands of parents every year get a lot out of attending Toolbox Parenting Groups, but grandparents may prefer an
at-home option.
“Some really well-known New Zealanders present the parenting advice on the DVDs including Dame Alison Holst, Bob
Kerridge and Pio Terei.”
‘I am delighted to be able to offer this programme, free of charge, to up to 5,000 grandparents who are raising
grandchildren,” says Mrs Bennett.
At a cost of $600,000 per year, this is seen as extremely good value for money.
ends