The Citizen Service Act (H.R. 4854) would reauthorize the programs administered by Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), including the Foster Grandparent Program, for five years. H.R. 4854 was passed by the House Education and Workforce Committee on June 12 and is awaiting action from the full House of Representatives. H.R. 4854 makes significant improvements in the Foster Grandparent Program, including lowering the age of eligibility from 60 to 55 and removing income eligibility limitations that restrict participation in Foster Grandparents.

Foster Grandparents give their experience and talent to improve the lives of children in need:

* More than 80,000 children, teenagers, and their families are supported by the services of Foster Grandparents every year.

* Foster Grandparents help children develop skills, confidence, and strength to succeed in life.

* Foster Grandparents make their neighborhoods stronger by helping children with special needs achieve their goals.

* Foster Grandparents help children who have been abused and neglected, mentor troubled teens and young mothers, and care for premature infants and children with physical disabilities.

* Foster Grandparents provide one-on-one attention that helps young people grow, gain confidence, and become more productive members of society.

* Nearly 24,000 Foster Grandparents contribute almost 22 million hours of volunteer service annually. The estimated value of this service is $286 million, representing a more than four-fold return on the federal dollars invested in the program.

* More the 14,000 Foster Grandparents are placed in health care settings, helping some of the 39,200 children they serve maintain independence and avoid institutionalization.

For more information, contact Tim Briceland-Betts, CWLA Government Affairs Associate, 202/942-0256 or bricebet@cwla.org.