During a recent government meeting in Lake County, Ohio, officials recognized September as Grandparent and Kinship Care Month, highlighting the vital role that grandparents and kinship caregivers play in the lives of children. The director of Lake County Job and Family Services addressed the assembly, sharing significant statistics that underscore the importance of this recognition.

Currently, over 297,000 children in Ohio are living with relatives, with approximately 189,000 of those children residing with their grandparents. The director emphasized the invaluable contributions of these caregivers, noting that many intervene in children's lives before formal agency involvement is necessary.

The meeting included a special proclamation honoring the efforts of the Job and Family Services department in supporting grandparents and kinship caregivers. The director also shared a personal anecdote about the Slovenian terms for grandparents, illustrating the cultural significance of these familial roles.

This acknowledgment serves to reinforce the community's appreciation for the dedication of grandparents and kinship providers, who often serve as primary caregivers in challenging circumstances.