The Grandparent System Support Program provides support to Grandparents living in Simcoe County who have sole responsibility for raising their grandchildren. Grandparents may have legal custody or in some cases may be raising their grandchildren without formal legal arrangements.

Simcoe County is home to approximately 4000 grand-families where grandparents are the primary providers for their grandchildren. Grandparents must readjust their life plans and styles to accommodate raising children. Personal health and the demands of raising children, many with special needs, can be challenging. Dealing with legal issues, parental involvement, balancing other family relationships and responsibilities may contribute to daily stresses.

Support groups are available in Barrie, Bradford, Orillia and Midland. Support Groups provide a safe and confidential environment where grandparents can create relationships with others who understand and have lived experience in similar situations. Support groups provide a place where grandparents can build on skills, resource share and network to build a community of support.

Until now, many grandparents have been managing these challenges alone and with very limited resources and respite options.