grandfamilies

For the past five years, the New York State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), along with more than a dozen other states and the United States Senate and House, have issued resolutions/proclamations to commemorate September as “Kinship Care Month.”

Federal policymakers want to hear from the millions of relatives caring for the children of family members about how government can be a helpful partner to them. Relative caregivers of children who would otherwise often be in the foster care system are being asked to share their experiences with federal policymakers.

As more and more grandparents step up to parent grandchildren, especially in the wake of the current opioid crisis, several organizations are teaming up to create a unique voice and education opportunity for American Indian and African American caregivers.

In otherwise contentious and turbulent times, Congress is coming together to support a fundamental American value — family. The Family First Prevention Services Act of 2016 passed the House but now faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

Some have said one of our country’s Olympic gymnasts, Simone Biles, may be the best ever. She’s wowing spectators with her skill, talent, determination and incredible spirit. She’s a grand success whose story could have so easily taken a very different turn if it wasn’t for her grandparents.