01 June 2010
Miller Fights for Grandparents Raising At-Risk Youth
Proposes law to restore assistance for seniors raising at-risk grandchildren

QUEEN'S PARK—Hamilton East–Stoney Creek MPP Paul Miller, joined by grandparents from across the province, in a Private Member’s Bill today, called for restored access to the recently altered Temporary Care Assistance (TCA) program.

In recent years, the McGuinty Liberals have inexplicably changed the guidelines of the TCA program, making it more difficult for grandparents raising their at-risk grandchildren to access this much-needed financial support. Miller’s bill will restore the previous eligibility criteria, which recognized this unique grandparent/grandchild relationship.

“The McGuinty Liberals have launched a blatant attack on our province’s most vulnerable children and families,” said Miller. “Today we are fighting back.”

Recent Liberal guidelines have altered the original intent of the program which boasted “no time limits.” In addition, the guidelines have added the provision of “settled intent” as grounds to deny applicants. This includes factors such as “involvement in the medical, educational and recreational activities of the child” or “decisions [made] with respect to the child’s health and well-being.”

“Restricting grandparents from making decisions about their grandchild’s health and well-being is simply outrageous,” said Miller. “This bill will restore flexible time limits and remove the ridiculous constraints of settled intent, ensuring access to all those in need.”

Temporary Care Assistance provides income assistance and benefits to adult family caregivers on behalf of a child. The maximum amount of monthly assistance is $241 for the first child and $196 for each additional child.

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Media Contact: Todd White (416) 325-0707 or (289) 237-1644

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