The Children Act 1989 recognises that children are best brought up within their families whenever possible. Family carers, such as grandparents who care for their grandchildren, play a huge and vital part in the lives of many children who cannot live with their parents.
Like any family, if a grandparent cares for a child they can claim child benefit and child tax credit for that child. They may also be able to claim other benefits depending on their circumstances. Grandparents in this situation should ask their local benefits agency office what they are entitled to.
Additionally, the local authority may also be able to offer support in the same way that they do for other families. From September 2005 it will be possible to apply for a Special Guardianship Order. This is a new legal option that will allow the carers to exercise parental responsibility to the exclusion of anyone else, including the child's parents. These new orders will be supported by a range of dedicated services, including financial support.
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