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"Clearly the American family, like all families in the Western industrial countries, is now profoundly different from what it had been in the recorded past. It typically is a household with few children, with both parents working, and with mothers producing their children at ever older ages. At the same time, more adults than ever before are living alone or with unmarried companions and more women than ever before are giving birth out of wedlock. These trends have profoundly changed the American family and are unlikely to be reversed any time soon."
-The Changing American Family - The Hoover Digest
Summary of Families and Households
The Families and Households Committee recommends:
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Families and households will achieve and/or experience:- Economic stability as defined as a household having an income greater than 200% of federal poverty level- A reduction in family and household violence, abuse and neglect
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Children from families at 200% of poverty or less will be cared for in environments that provide appropriate developmental activities that result in school readiness.
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More adults 65 years and older will receive care through affordable home and community-based services and fewer adults 65 years and older will be referred to protective services.
Overview of RecommendationsHouseholds that are economically and emotionally stable are better able to support the most vulnerable members of our community. The successful development of children and care for the elderly and disabled are best accomplished by stable households. The household is the nucleus of the community. If households are stable, healthy and successful then so will be the community. See the complete recommendation The most critical time for a child is between birth and the age of five years old. Many crucial cognitive and physical developments are made during these formative years. A stable support structure is critical in the development of children of all ages. Environmental pressure, influences from school, friends and family all make an impact on the development of a child. Despite this, the parent/primary caregiver is the child’s most significant influence. Research shows that children are more likely to succeed when they live in economically, culturally and educationally enriched environments. See the complete recommendation In Stark County, as well as nationally, the social service system has not yet adjusted to meet the needs of the longer lives of the aged population. Seniors often outlive their resources, which can negatively affect quality of life. Of concern is the combination of mental and physical health problems that come with old age. Increased numbers of families are faced with the issue of providing care for an older family member(s). Due to additional risk, of particular concern are seniors whose families do not live in the area. However, even if immediate family is local, the needs of the elderly individual may be too burdensome. There is a need for community-based support. Access to necessary care can be hindered by economics as well as physical and mental fragility. |