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Grandparents call attention to essential role as caregivers, heads of household for children

In the United States today, more than 6 million children live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives.

Many of these grandparents and other relatives step forward to assume the responsibility for raising children when their parents are no longer able to do so. These individuals perform the heroic task of both keeping their families together and keeping these children safe.

On September 14, 2005, hundreds of grandparents, relatives and children from across the nation were joined by members of Congress, advocates, and others in celebrating the essential role that these caregivers play in providing safe, permanent families for vulnerable children, and the unique challenges they face in fulfilling this duty.

Speakers include:

LOLA BAILEY and BRIGITTE CASTELLANO, president of the board, and executive director, National Committee of Grandparents for Children's Rights

SHAY BILCHIK, president and CEO, Child Welfare League of America

DONNA BUTTS, executive director, Generations United

LEE HAMMOND, board member, AARP

MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN, founder and CEO, Children's Defense Fund

 

In addition to the participants listed above, grandparents and other relative caregivers, children being raised by these caregivers, and members of Congress have been invited to speak.