9/20/2006 10:15:00 AM Grandparents have important roles
By SEN. JOHN CAREY
Throughout a child's life, there are important people - parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, friends, etc. - who shape their growth and development, influence their decisions and teach them the lessons of life. And, while all kids make mistakes or go through hard times, it is this group of role models that provides a foundation, a support system to steer that child in the right direction and lead them on the path to success.
While mom and dad are naturally the first influences in many children's lives, grandparents can play an equally important role in their development. Earlier this month, grandparents across the country were honored as part of National Grandparents Day, a holiday designed to champion the issues of senior citizens and encourage younger generations to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents can provide.
I am fortunate to have known most of my grandparents. In fact, my grandmother, Ruby Scites, is still very active in Jackson County and remains an important part of my life. She was unique in that she took me to her union meetings and to Republican gatherings.
As the oldest of 54 grandchildren, including great- and great-great-grandchildren, not only do I appreciate what my grandparents did for me, I have seen first-hand the important role grandparents play in shaping the lives of their grandchildren.
On many occasions, grandparents are called to serve beyond the call of duty when, for whatever reason, their sons and daughters cannot care for their grandchildren.
According to the Ohio Department of Aging's Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Task Force Report, grandparents are filling the role of primary parents to their grandchildren in 10 percent of all Ohio households with children.
However, despite their love for their grandchildren and their desire to care for them, many grandparents find raising a grandchild to be financially and emotionally difficult.
Therefore, to help alleviate this stress, Ohio established the Kinship Care program to assist substitute caregivers with things like buying food, clothing, obtaining medical care or enrolling a child in school. While the state's assistance is just a small piece of the puzzle, it is important that we help those grandparents, other relatives and friends who have selflessly made the commitment to care for a child in need.
Unfortunately, there are times when a child has no relatives to care for them. This is when foster parents step up to the plate and provide care and guidance to our young people.
Most foster parents are dedicated, responsible, loving people. Yet, sadly, the heinous murder of 3-year-old Marcus Fiesel in Clermont County last month sheds light on the bad things that can happen.
While the incident has raised questions about possible gaps in the state's foster care system and a need for more oversight at all levels, for the last several months the Ohio General Assembly has worked to help stop the abuse of children that depend on the foster care system to ensure their safety.
Earlier this year, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 238, legislation that requires more training of workers in the county departments of Jobs and Family Services, increases the sharing of information between the public and private agencies involved with foster care and adoption and includes additional steps that must be taken if the placement of a child will result in five or more children living in the home. The bill goes into effect on Sept. 21.
In lieu of the Marcus tragedy, many are calling for even further reforms to the system. And, while we must all work to protect children, it is important that we take time to evaluate the situation and, if further reforms are needed, figure out how to best tackle the problem.
However, in the meantime, we must continue to support the responsible, loving and committed people who care for Ohio's children. It is through their positive support that children will learn to grow, develop and become a success.
Sen. John Carey, R-Wellston, represents Ohio's 17th Senate District.
