Invariably there will be some legal issues to consider now that your grandchildren live with you. Some of these issues will be simple to resolve and some will be incredibly complex. A support worker from a Community Service or GrandParents ACT and Region will be a helpful resource in negotiating where to go and what to ask.

The issues might be quite different depending on how your grandchild came to be in your care. If the Office of Child Youth and Family Support (formerly Family Services) or Docs are involved, they will take care of many of the legal issues. If a child is deemed 'in need of care' by one of these statutory bodies they will initiate whatever legalities are required to keep the child safe. If a child is not deemed 'in need of care', by a statutory body and you wish to take action, you may then be responsible for the court proceedings and costs.

There are some very helpful websites and everyone in the ACT is entitled to ½ an hour of free legal advice from Legal Aid. This may help to clarify some issues for you and point you in the right direction. There are a number of legal services that may be able to assist you. You will need access to birth certificates and the ability to give medical consent as a priority.

Grandchildren who are victims of crime may be eligible to receive free counselling and support through Victims Support Service (VSS) and Victims of Crime Assistance League (Vocal). You may also be eligible for support if you have been impacted by crime.