What has your grandchild experienced in their journey to you?
Children do not live with their grandparents because everything has been okay. Children have often been exposed to a number of traumas and distressing situations, including not being able to be with their parents for whatever reason.

Children respond to these situations in different and often challenging ways, usually behavioural, as they do not have the language or understanding to express their distress. Wet beds, angry outbursts, violence, aggressive and difficult behaviour, hyper vigilance, and fear of separation are normal responses at all ages.

You may need support and help to manage these normal responses to abnormal situations and experiences.

Abuse and neglect
If you suspect that your grandchild has been abused they will require assessment and specialist help and so will you! The Child at Risk Assessment Unit, CARAU, is located at the Canberra Hospital. CARAU has a team of experienced counsellors, psychologists, and paediatricians who specialise in assessing and helping victims of abuse and neglect.