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Thursday, September 19, 2024

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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Grandparents Day Marks “Hidden Resource” for Child Welfare System

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Friday, September 7, 2007   

New York, NY – New Yorkers are celebrating "National Grandparents Day" on Sunday with greeting cards, family dinners, and a national candlelight vigil. Brigitte Castellano, with the National Committee of Grandparents for Children's Rights(NCGCR), says grandparents are a hidden resource, and a major part of the nation's child welfare system.

"There are 550,000 children in foster care, but over 6 million in the care of grandparents. So, we are actually the de facto foster care system."

Grandparents are eligible for limited federal funding to care for their grandchildren through "Child Only Grants," in amounts based solely on the child's income level and residence in a grandparent-headed household.

For some grandparents, Sunday's holiday is a bittersweet reminder of separation from their grandchildren. That's why the NCGCR is planning the nation's first annual candlelight "Vigil for Visitation" for estranged grandparents on Sunday night.

"It's a celebration, and it's about grandparents really lighting the way for the grandchildren. We also want to acknowledge so many grandparents who are denied visitation with their grandchildren, so that these children lose extended family members. We want to say, 'Let's keep our focus on the children.'"

The candlelight vigil is planned for 8:30 PM Sunday in Stony Brook, with similar events planned across the country.




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