Funding For Parents Is A Good Investment

Sat., June 15, 1996

Terry Younger Special To Opinion

There are many programs available for single mothers. However, as a single father, I struggled to find assistance.

I have three children ages 9, 7 and 6. I am proud to provide them with a safe and secure home.

But in 1993 I faced a dilemma. Child Protection Services (CPS) took my children from their unfit mother. It was incredibly difficult to find programs to help me get custody of them. Forced to travel back and forth to California where they lived, I lost two jobs trying to get my kids out of foster care. Before coming to live with me, they had been in three separate foster homes.

When I was finally awarded custody, I had serious financial problems. Their day care alone cost over $800 a month. I had little hope of providing them with adequate clothing and furnishings.

Gratefully, I found love and support from the guardian angels at Broadway Elementary School, especially from the Family Resource Specialist. Family Resource Specialists are part of the Special Children’s Projects of CPS. This was the first time I met a CPS representative working in the schools.

She helped me demonstrate to the courts that I was a fit parent. She also helped me access state funds for little things like shoes for my kids. I learned so much from her about community resources for myself and my children, like the Native Indian Project that provided free counseling. I thank those who gave me their time from the bottom of my heart.

Now I am on my feet again with a good job and wonderful friends.

Unfortunately, the Washington state Legislature almost withdrew funding this year for Family Resources Specialists in the Central Valley and Spokane school districts. But I know there are other families who need a small helping hand and people to say, “You can do it. Don’t give up!”

I understand the need to cut unnecessary government spending. But Family Resource Specialists make a difference. Legislative action is needed to make sure this important resource remains available.

We need to keep this program for the future of our children. Investing in good parents secures safe homes and stronger young people.

MEMO: Your Turn is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a Your Turn column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write Your Turn, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615.

Your Turn is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a Your Turn column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write Your Turn, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615.