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Recognizing Family Caregivers Month
House of Representatives - November 01, 2005
Extension of Remarks

November is National Family Caregivers Month. This month we celebrate those who care for America's vulnerable populations.

As a physician, child psychiatrist, and the Ranking Member of the Human Resources subcommittee of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I have a particular interest in the way the Federal Government addresses the needs of abused and neglected children. There are abused and neglected children throughout our country. Sometimes we know who they are, but too often we don't. They live in big cities, small towns, rural areas and every suburb in between.

There will always be too many abused children, and there will never be enough family caregivers who provide vulnerable children with the safety and stability they need to thrive.

Family caregivers open their hearts and homes to our most vulnerable populations, and they often do so knowing they will not be recognized for their efforts, nor provided Federal support. If the Congress is as committed to promoting family values as Members of Congress often say, then we should fulfill that commitment by really valuing families and providing Federal support to every foster child in family care.

When a child is removed from a home because of neglect or abuse, the Federal Government should have an interest in ensuring the safety and well being of those children. But today the Federal Government is primarily interested in vulnerable children who live in the homes of strangers.

We should strive to do better.

In the meantime let us acknowledge and celebrate family caregivers around the Nation by using this month to draw attention to the many challenges that face them. Let us celebrate the hard work and commitment of those who care every day for vulnerable populations, our Nation's family caregivers.