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Grandparents Anonymous group . AGA provides support and information , and helps validate the feelings of those suffering estrangement , alienation , and isolation . Through information , support , and monthly meetings , AGA headquarters has supported hundreds of grandparents , and it has even been able to participate in many success stories .
“ At the monthly meetings , we have discussions with guest speakers who help us learn how to deal with our adult children ,” says Nana . “ The meetings are an invaluable way for us to be heard , supported and educated on our rights as grandparents .” Understanding the complexities of alienation helps grandparents – knowledge is very powerful . Healthy minds want to fix things , and it ’ s important to understand that grandparents should not be embarrassed by the estrangement , and that they must stop blaming themselves . At the AGA meetings , nobody suffers alone .
This past December , Bill 34 ( Children ’ s Law Reform Amendment Act : Relationship with Grandparents ) was amended . It ’ s not perfect , but it ’ s a start . While it doesn ’ t automatically grant grandparents access , it does mean courts must consider them in custody cases , while also looking at
what ’ s in the best interest of the child , including the emotional ties between the child and its grandparents . The new subsection of Bill 34 recognizes that grandparents have a right to visit their grandchildren and moreover , that children have the right to a relationship with their grandparents .
Nana continues to provide support for grandparents on a local level , and invites those interested in learning more , to receive support by visiting the local chapter meetings and participating anonymously . Meetings are held every second and fourth Tuesday of the month in Burlington . •
For more information please call 905-531-8824 or email ccnana1946 @ gmail . com
For full background and helpful articles visit the AGA website : www . aga-fl . org or email head office : info @ aga-fl . org
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Silver & Gold Magazine ~ Summer 2017
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