For Immediate
Release: September 8, 2004
Audio Clip
Senator Daisy Lawler
STATE LEGISLATORS BEGIN INTERIM STUDY ON
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN
Grandparents raising grandchildren is the
topic of the latest interim study to be conducted in the
coming months by the Oklahoma State Senate.
Senator Daisy
Lawler, D-Comanche, helped bring awareness to the issue
when she requested the study this summer. The Human Resources
Committee had their first meeting at the State Capitol on
Wednesday to discuss demographics, legal issues and programs
offered by the Department of Human Services.
According to 2000 U.S. Census statistics, this is a growing
problem in the state, as well as the nation. More than eight
percent of Oklahoma children live in grandparent or other
relative-maintained households.
"Sadly, Oklahoma has the second highest percentage
in the nation of grandparents who are the primary caregivers
to one or more children," said Lawler. "That's
well above the national average, which shows that one in
twelve children are now being raised by a grandparent or
other relative."
Legislators and various state agency heads spent the day
at the Grand Rally, also at the Capitol, visiting with grandparents
and other relatives who are serving as parents. The event
was part of the annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Conference, an event which allows families the opportunity
to express their concerns which have so far gone unattended.
Grandparents and other relatives raising children face numerous
barriers. Many of these caregivers live on fixed incomes
and finding safe and affordable housing is a major concern.
Some live in senior housing, where children are not allowed
and those found with kids can face eviction. Another problem
is navigating the legal system. There are few resources
for most grandparents to assist with the cost of adoption,
guardianship, or other legal proceedings. Many grandparents
are forced to delay retirement or go back to work to meet
the financial needs of caring for children.
Obtaining child and health care are two other major concerns
for these families. Child care can be difficult to obtain
if the grandparent or other relative does not have legal
custody or guardianship. If families are not operating on
a formal arrangement, problems arise in dealing with schools
and medical providers in addition to the added financial
cost for working relatives. Health care issues also become
a concern when these families have difficulties in providing
coverage for health care costs. There is often no assistance
available to relatives who are not part of the formalized
system.
A number of circumstances have led to the increase in children
being raised by an older generation including teen pregnancy,
lack of employment or income, drug and alcohol addiction,
incarceration, illness and death, noted Lawler.
"This growing phenomenon has had a significant impact
on our state's economy and the lives of many of our citizens.
The situation needs to be addressed," said Senator
Bernest
Cain, Human Resources Committee Chair. "We made
some real progress today. I'm looking forward to our next
meeting and working to find solutions to this crisis."
For
more information contact:
Senate Communications Office -
(405) 521-5774
