Advocating for kinship care in Athens

Economy hurting displaced children
Athens Messenger, March 23, 2008.

(Athens,OH) Many of the same crises we see worldwide are occurring in our own backyard, and no one seems to notice. Ever increasing numbers of children in Southeastern Ohio are being subjected to neglect, abuse and hunger, and not just by their parents, but more so by our bureaucratic systems.

The results of living in such dire conditions leaves many of these children physically challenged and emotionally traumatized. Some of these youngsters who have lived the rigors of an unsafe and unstable home life have but one prospect; placement in a home with strangers (via the foster care program).

Children belong in familiar, loving surroundings. How are they to receive this emotional support during their most demanding hours while in the home of strangers via foster care?

The most obvious resolution for these displaced children is their extended family. One would think it a simple act to bring a child into your home. Especially if it is your grandchild, niece, nephew, or cousin - each sweet child deserves the security of his or her own family.

But placing children with their relatives, which seems the most positive outcome, has one very worrisome detail. It is the lack of adequate income to provide for the addition of these young souls.

The staggering rise in the cost of living already straps our regional families to the point of merely surviving. How can we ask grandparents, aunts and uncles, many of whom are on fixed incomes, to provide for these children with the small stipend provided by the apparently unaware legislators of Ohio?

It appears our legislative body would prefer to place our loved ones with strangers - since the lawmakers give foster care providers $600 a month per child, while allotting family caregivers $245 for the first child and $91 for each child thereafter. Relatives may have undying love, but they may not have the means to support these children.

Ever increasing numbers of retired persons are being charged with the safekeeping of their grandchildren, while they themselves reside near or below poverty levels.

Poverty marks these forsaken children and their aging caregivers to a life of harsh winters without adequate heat, enough food to last the month, and insufficient dental care and clothing. There are no extras for anyone in the household. They just survive.

I wonder when the legislators last visited with true Appalachian families of Southeastern Ohio.

I wonder too if they could live on a stipend of under $500 per month. I would guess that legislators spend more on a weekend on the town than they allot to those of lesser advantage to eke out for a month.

I'd like to ask that the local communities open their hearts to the plight of their neighbors. Look beyond what you have, what you aspire to, and share of yourself with those of lesser fortune.

There are several persons and agencies trying to make life better for those with lesser benefits, and to them I say thank you for your compassion and your efforts.

Rep. Jimmy Stewart of the 92nd District recently petitioned the legislative body in a desperate appeal to raise the standards of living for the caregivers by even $100 per month. His request for assistance was blatantly denied.

I welcome those individuals who I champion to contact me, or any of the following organizations as well as your legislators, so that together we may find an answer to this regrettable and redeemable situation.

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council , 740-594-3533; martyz@havar.org
Athens Country Job & Family Services, Director Jack Frech, 740-592-4477;
Rep. Jimmy Stewart, 614-466-2158; district92@ohr.state.oh.us
Ohio Empowerment Coalition Safe & Stable Families Campaign, Kinship Care Provider Advocacy, 1-877-862-5179

Lyda Gunter is a grandmother/care provider. Contact her at lgunter@frognet.net