[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 130 (Friday, October 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2061-E2062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO GRANDPARENTS AND OTHER RELATIVES WHO ARE CAREGIVERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB BEAUPREZ

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 2005

  Mr. BEAUPREZ. Mr. Speaker, across the country there are more than 6 
million children

[[Page E2062]]

living in grandparent and other relative headed households. About 2.5 
million of these children are living in homes without either parent 
present. Regardless of the many reasons children enter relative care, 
including death of a parent, neglect, and substance abuse, it is never, 
ever the fault of the child. I commend grandparents and other relatives 
who step forward to care for these children, keeping them out of foster 
care while providing safe, stable, homes, often at great personal and 
financial sacrifice.
  Stories of a 78-year-old grandmother raising a four year old, a 71-
year-old grandfather raising 5 teenagers, or a single grandmother 
raising more than 6 grandchildren are all too common throughout 
Colorado and our nation.
  Grandparents and other relative caregivers are often the best chance 
for a loving and stable childhood for the children in their care, but 
their hard work and dedication often goes unnoticed. Mr. Speaker, 
today, I offer my formal acknowledgement and deepest appreciation for 
the ongoing service of these caregivers to our country and our nation's 
most valuable asset, our children.

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