SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The Welsh Assembly Government should adopt an approach to grandparenting that is as inclusive as possible, that is genuinely child and family-centred, that enhances the experience of grandparenting for both children and their grandparents and acknowledges the valuable contribution grandparents can make to their children and grandchildren.
2. A literature review should be carried to find out what research data is available around grandparenting in general and in Wales in particular. Decisions should then be taken on any further research that might be needed.
3. In drawing up proposals for this research, the following should be considered:
4. The need for further data on relationships within families and intergenerational contact, including Wales-specific demographic data;
5. The experiences of grandparents themselves and what they say their support needs are (this needs to include both older and younger grandparents);
6. The experience and needs of the so-called "pivot generation" of people between age 50 and retirement who are combining work and care roles;
7. The perceptions and experience that children and young people have of their grandparents.
8. Consideration should be given to equality issues in all proposed research and actions relating to grandparenting in Wales. It is particularly recommended that research be undertaken on grandparenting and the role of the extended family within black and minority ethnic communities in Wales, to fill a clear gap in current knowledge.
9. A survey should be undertaken in Wales of the use made by local authorities of kinship/ family and friends care, and of the arrangements in place to provide financial support.  This should include examples of good practice.
10. The Assembly Government should issue guidance to local authorities clarifying the use of kinship/ family and friends care, to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements and to ensure parity of treatment. They should also gather and disseminate examples of good practice.
11. Consideration should be given to encouraging employers to operate more flexible dependence leave arrangements, to assist grandparents and other family and friends carers. 
12. The Assembly Government should fund preparation of a Wales version of the Family Rights Group "Second Time Around" guide, if possible during the 2007-08 financial year.
13. Family Group Conferencing should be available in each local authority area in Wales, making use of the Toolkit produced by the Family Rights Group. 
14. There should be a continued recognition on grandparenting in the Assembly Government’s Strategy for Older People, so that these issues are not lost.

To read a full copy of the Grandparenting Working Group Report click on the report on the right hand side

For further information contact: Tony Ivens, Tel: 029 2034 2434