Celebrates the 29th Annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Conference and recognizes its founders, Dot Thibodeaux and Danna Spayde, for their dedication, support, and inspiration to grandfamilies across Louisiana.
The resolution underscores the essential role that grandfamilies play in the state, particularly given statistics indicating that one-third of these families live at or below the poverty line. It emphasizes the necessity for continued support and recognition for grandfamilies, many of whom put in tremendous effort to ensure their grandchildren are cared for in a loving environment. Furthermore, the resolution highlights the need for increased resources and programs to support these families, as they often act as a buffer against the foster care system for children who may otherwise face instability.
SCR17 celebrates the 29th Annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Conference in Louisiana and honors its founders, Dot Thibodeaux and Danna Spayde, for their impactful work in supporting grandfamilies. The resolution highlights the vital services provided by the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) program, which include support groups, educational workshops, and emergency assistance aimed at helping grandfamilies navigate the challenges they face in raising grandchildren. This recognition comes in light of the significant number of grandparents—over 55,000 in Louisiana—who are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren, often amid economic hardships.
The general sentiment surrounding SCR17 is positive, as it brings attention to the often-overlooked contributions of grandparents raising grandchildren. The resolution's passage is viewed as an important acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by these caregivers and the community's collective responsibility to support them. Those involved in GRG and similar organizations have expressed appreciation for legislative recognition, which tends to validate their ongoing efforts to assist grandfamilies and can potentially lead to enhanced resources and funding.
While the resolution itself does not present controversial elements or proposals for change in state law, it does indirectly raise awareness of larger issues surrounding the welfare of grandfamilies. Notable points of contention in broader discussions might revolve around funding for GRG services, the adequacy of support systems for grandfamilies, and the challenges posed by the state’s socioeconomic landscape, which includes a significant percentage of families living in poverty. The conversation surrounding SCR17 may provoke further dialogue about how state policies can better support grandparent-led families.