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Child Care Radio Address Mother's Day 5/9/98 [2]
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FOIA Number: 2006-0467-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting
Series/Staff Member:
Jeff Shesol
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
19942
FolderID:
Folder Title:
Child Care Radio Address (Mother's Day) 5/9/98 [2]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
91
6
10
1
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. press release Phone Number (handwritten at top). [partial] (1 page)
05/11/1996
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Speechwriting
Jeff Shesol
OA/Box Number: 19942
FOLDER TITLE:
Child Care Radio Address Mother's Day 5/9/98 [2]
2006-0467-F
vz203
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information I(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
MAY. 01 98 (FRI) 18:04
OASPA NEWS DIV
TEL: 202 6247
P. 011
998.03.17: (Fact Sheet) Child Sup. A Clinton Administration Priority
http://www.hhs.gov/news/pres/19yopic
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 1998
FACT SHEET
Contact: ACF Press Office (202) 101-9215
CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT: A CLINTON
ADMINISTRATION PRIORITY
Overview: The goal of the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program, established in 1975 under
Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, is to ensure that children are supported financially by both
parents.
Designed us a joint federal, state, and local partnership, the program involves 54 separate state
and territory systems, each with its own unique laws and procedures. The program is usually run
by state and local human service agencies, often with the help of prosecuting attorneys and other
law enforcement officials as well as officials of family or domestic relations courts. At the federal
level, the Department of Health and Human Services provides technical assistance and funding to
states through the Office of Child Support Enforcement and also operates the Federal Parent
Locator System, a computer matching system that locates non-custodial parents who owe child
support.
Despite recent record improvements in paternity establishment and child support collections,
much more needs to be done to ensure that all children born out-of-wedlock have paternity
established and that all non-custodial parents provide financial support for their children.
Currently. only about one-half of the custodial parents due child support receive full payment.
About twenty-five percent receive partial payment and twenty-five percent receive nothing.
For that reason, President Clinton proposed, and Congress passed, legislation to strengthen and
improve state child support collection activities. These provisions, included in the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996; could increase child support collections to over
$24 billion in 10 years. a national new hire reporting system, streamlined paternity establishment,
uniform interstate child support laws, computerized state-wide collections, and tough new
penalties, such as driver's license revocation.
Clinton Administration Increases and Innovations
President Clinton has made improving child support enforcement and increasing child support
collections a top priority, Since taking office, President Clinton has cracked down on non-paying parents
and strengthened child support enforcement, resulting in record child support collections: In FY 1997,
the federal-stare partnership collected a record $13 billion from non-custodial parents, an increase of $5
billion, or 63 percent, since 1992. The number of families that are actually receiving child support has
also increased: In 1997, the number of child support cases with collections rose to 4.2 million, an
increase of 48 percent from 2.8 million in 1992.
Encouraging state innovations. On October 10, 1997, HHS announced the award of $1.5 million in
demonstration grants to 17 states to support innovative projects to improve the nation's child support
enforcement program. The projects will test cooperation with child support requirements by applicants
for and recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families; new models for coping with domestic
violence in the context of child support enforcement; models of collaboration between child support
enforcement, Head Start and Child Care programs at the state and local levels; collaborations to facilitate
family preservation between child support and child welfare programs; reviewing and adjusting child
support orders; determining the effect of child support collections on welfare recipient income; and,
models for making the child support enforcement program responsive to the needs of low-income
5/1/98 2:42 F
MAY. 01' 98 (FRI) 18:05
OASPA NEWS DIV
-TEL 202 6247
P. 012
1998.03.17: (Fact Sheet) Child Sup A Clinton Administration Priority
http://www.lihs.gov/news/press/1998pres/980317b.htm
noncustodial fathers to encourage greater parental responsibility. In addition, HHS on December 18,
1997, HHS announced approval of a child support waiver to allow the State of Washington to use
federal funds normally used for child support enforcement to fund "Devoted Dads," an innovative
public/private partnership to promote the responsible roles of fathers in the financial and emotional
support of their children. The project, which serves the Tacoma, Washington Enterprise Community,
intends to reach non-custodial parents, particularly young and at-risk fathers. This demonstration is the
first child support waiver granted for an enterprise community.
Executive action. While working toward comprehensive improvement of child support enforcement,
President Clinton used his executive authority to increase child support collections. Since taking office,
President Clinton has directed the Treasury Department to activate a centralized, streamlined Federal
system to offset child support debts against most Federal payments; ordered Federal agencies to take
necessary steps to deny loans, loan guarantees, or loan insurance to any individual who is delinquent on
child support debt; implemented a new program that will help track non-paying parents across state
lines; proposed new regulations requiring women who apply for welfare to comply with paternity
establishment requirements before receiving benefits; and issued an executive order to make the federal
government a model employer in the area of child support enforcement. In addition, the Clinton
Administration granted welfare reform waivers to a record 43 states. More than two-thirds of these states
pursued innovative child support reforms under waivers approved by the Clinton Administration.
Increasing resources. President Clinton has proposed annual expansions in child support enforcement,
increasing resources by 53 percent since taking office. HHS has also launched an initiative and given
demonstration grants to states to promote improved performance, service quality and public satisfaction
in the child support program. The President's FY 1999 budget proposal allocates $3.2 billion to state
child support enforcement programs, a 19 percent increase over FY 1998.
Prosecuting non-payers. Billions of dollars more in support is owed to children whose parents have
crossed state lines and failed to pay. The Justice Department is investigating and prosecuting cases
where parents cross state lines to avoid payment under the Child Support Recovery Act. At President
Clinton's direction, the Justice Department submitted legislation to Congress in September 1996 that
would make it a felony offense to cross state lines to evade a child support obligation if the obligation
has remained unpaid for longer than one year or is greater than $5,000; or to willfully fail to pay a child
support obligation for a child living in another state if the obligation has remained unpaid for a period
longer than two years or is greater than $10,000.
Scizing tax refunds. The Federal government collected a record $1.1 billion in delinquent child support
by intercepting income tax refunds of non-paying parents for tax year 1996. The amount was 10 percent
higher than the previous year, and up 66 percent since 1992. Nearly 1.3 million families benefited from
these collections:
Improving paternity establishment. The Clinton Administration has made paternity establishment a
top priority. In FY 1997, 1.1 million paternities were established a 115 percent increase from 1992. In
1993, the Clinton Administration proposed, and Congress adopted, a requirement that states establish
hospital-based paternity programs as a proactive way to establish paternities early in a child's life.
Preliminary data from thirty-two states indicates that more than 285,000 paternities were established
through the program in 1996.
U.S. Postal Service posts "wanted lists." The U.S. Postal Service is working with states to display
"Wanted Lists" of parents who owe child support in post offices. Each state that has such a list will be
able to provide it to the Postal Service, and the list will be displayed in post offices within that state. The
President has also challenged every state to create a "Wanted List" to expand efforts to track down
parents who owe support and send the strongest possible message that evasion of child support
responsibilities is a serious offense.
Action through the Internet. HHS's Office of Child Support Enforcement now has a home page on the
Internet that provides information on the child support enforcement program, tells parents where they
can apply for child support assistance, and provides links to states that have their own home pages
MAY. 01 98 (FRI) 18:06
OASPA NEWS DIV
TEL: 202 690-6247
P: 013
1998.03.17: (Fact Sheet) Child Sup A Clinton Administration Priority
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/1998pres/980317b.html
(currently 37).
Improvements Under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996
At President Clinton's urging, the new welfare reform law includes the child support enforcement
measures the President proposed in 1994 the most sweeping crackdown on non-paying parents in
history. Under the new law, each state must operate a child support enforcement program meeting
federal requirements in order to be eligible for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block
grants. Provisions include:-
National new hire reporting system. The law establishes a Federal Case Registry and National
Directory of New Hires to track delinquent parents across state lines. It also requires that employers
report all new hires to state agencies for transmittal of new hire information to the National Directory of
New Hires. This builds on President Clinton's June 1996 executive action to track delinquent parents
across state lines. The law also expands and streamlines procedures for direct withholding of child
support from wages. The directory began operation on schedule in October 1997. To date, the directory
has found over 90,000 delinquent parents who owe child support.
Streamlined paternity establishment. The new law streamlines the legal process for paternity
establishment, making it easier and faster to establish paternities. It also expands the voluntary
in-hospital paternity establishment program, started by the Clinton Administration in 1993, and requires
a state affidavit for voluntary paternity acknowledgment. These affidavits must meet minimum
requirements set by the Secretary of HHS. In addition, the law mandates that states publicize the
availability and encourage the use of voluntary paternity establishment processes. Individuals who fail to
cooperate with paternity establishment will have their monthly cash assistance reduced by at least 25
percent.
Uniform interstate child support laws. The new law provides for uniform rules, procedures, and forms
for interstate cases.
Computerized state-wide collections. The new law requires states to establish central registries of child
support orders and centralized collection and disbursement units. It also requires expedited state
procedures for child support enforcement.
Tough new penalties. Under the new law, states can implement tough child support enforcement
techniques. The new law will expand wage garnishment, allow states to seize assets, allow states to
require community service in some cases, and enable states to revoke driver's and professional, licenses
for parents who owe delinquent child support.
"Families First." Under a new "Family First" policy, families no longer receiving assistance will have
priority in the distribution of child support arrears. This new. policy will bring families who have left
welfare for work about $1 billion in support over the first six years.
Access and visitation programs. In an effort to increase noncustodial parents' involvement in their
children's lives, the new law includes grants to help states establish programs that support and facilitate
noncustodial parents' visitation with and access to their children. On October 3, 1997, HHS announced
the award of $10 million in grants to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories to
promote access and visitation programs. The minimum allotment per state for FY 1997 is $50,000.
New state incentives. Current law provides for HHS to make incentive payments to states for their child
support enforcement systems, but these payments are based on only one factor: cost-effectiveness. Under
the new welfare reform law, HHS was authorized to prepare an alternative incentive plan. On March 13,
1997, Secretary Shalala submitted a proposal to Congress which was designed to further improve the
performance of state child support enforcement programs by linking federal incentive payments to states
to their performance in five key areas; establishment of paternities, establishment of child support
orders, collections on current child support owed, collection on previously or past due child support
owed, and cost-effectiveness. To reinforce the goal of achieving self-sufficiency, states will be rewarded
MAY. =01 98 (FRI) 18:07
OASPA NEWS DIV
TEL: 202 690 6247
P. 014
1998.03.17: (Fact Sheet) Child Sup A Clinton Administration Priority
http://www.hhs.gov/ncws/press/1998pres/980317b.html
for collection in all child support cases, but with a stronger emphasis on welfare and former welfare
cases. On September 16, 1997, Secretary Shalala joined Rep. Clay Shaw, chairman of the House Ways
and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources, and Rep. Sandy Levin, the ranking minority member of
the subcommittee, in announcing legislation that is drawn from the HHS proposal. The House of
Representatives passed the bill on September 30, 1997, and the Senate will consider the legislation in
1998.
###
Page 3
1ST STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1998 The New York Times Company
The !iew York Times
April 27, 1998, Monday, Late Edition - Final
SECTION: Section A; Page 15; Column 2; Editorial Desk
LENGTH: 390 words
HEADLINE: Bankrupt? Pay Your Child Support First
BYLINE: By Elizabeth Warren; Elizabeth Warren is a law professor at Harvard
who specializes in bankruptcy.
DATELINE: CAMBRIDGE, Mass.
BODY:
The Senate and House are considering legislation to reform bankruptcy laws.
The credit industry has lobbied aggressively for this legislation, complaining
that it is difficult to collect from people hiding behind bankruptcy filings.
But it is important :: recognize the unintended consequences of the changes
the industry wants specifically, their devastating impact on the tens of
thousands of women who turn == bankruptcy courts to collect alimony and child
support from former husbands who have sought bankruptcy protection.
In 1903, Congress declared that child support and cther marital obligations
were "nondischargeable debts" meaning that no one who declares bankruptcy can
escape liability for these obligations. Like taxes and student loans, these
debts must be repaid in full both during and after a bankruptcy. Congress quite
properly declared that mild support and alimony were a priority and must be
paid first and in full.
But some proposals before Congress would add to the list of nondischargeable
debts. Credit card debt piled up in the 90 days before a bankruptcy filing or
incurred when the person did not have "a reasonable expectation or ability to
repay" would be included.
This means that even .: a debtor declared bankruptcy, credit card bills, with
their compounded interest. penalties and collection fees, would survive forever,
and have just as much priority as child support payments.
This could be devastating == children. A system in which almost everyone must
be paid could very well mean that no one is paid or, more likely, that only
the most aggressive and powerful creditors are.
Last year, some 300,000 bankruptcy cases involved child support, alimony or
another form of family maintenance. In about half ci the cases, women were
creditors trying to collect court-ordered support from their former spouses.
Without such recourse, some families would have to turn to public assistance.
All creditors are victimized by fraudulent debtors. But bankruptcy law
Page 4
The New York Times, April 27. 1998
already gives creditors effective tools to root out such abuses. Modest changes
to the bankruptcy laws. like authorizing routine audits of debtors' petitions,
would give creditors even cetter protection. But one thing should not change:
when it comes to paying :: lept. women and children should come first.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: April 27, 1398
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. press release
Phone Number (handwritten at top). [partial] (1 page)
05/11/1996
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Speechwriting
Jeff Shesol
OA/Box Number: 19942
FOLDER TITLE:
Child Care Radio Address Mother's Day 5/9/98 [2]
2006-0467-F
vz203
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(University Park, Pennsylvania)
Embargoed For Release
Kistint
Until 10:06 A.M. EDT
Saturday, May 11, 1996
John
RADIO ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT
P6/(b)(6)
[001]
TO THE NATION
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Tomorrow millions of Americans will honor our
mothers with hugs and bouquets and visits for dinner. Others of us will simply offer up a silent
prayer for the mother who still lives in our heart, but who has left this Earth. I miss my own
mother very much, especially on Mother's Day. I can't give her roses tomorrow, but with your
help we can honor all mothers by giving mothers-to-be something far more important - the
assurance that when they bring a baby into this world, they will not be rushed out of the hospital
until they and their health care provider decide it is medically safe for both mother and child.
Today I want to discuss legislation that will guarantee mothers the quality care they need
when they've had a baby.
In 1970, the average length of stay for an uncomplicated hospital delivery was four days.
By 1992, the average had declined to two days. Now a large and growing number of insurance
companies are refusing to pay for anything more than a 24-hour stay, except in the most extreme
circumstances, and some have recommended releasing women as early as eight hours after
delivery.
This is has gone from being an economical trend to a dangerous one, one that carries with
it the potential for serious health consequences. Early release of infants can result in numerous
problems, including feeding problems, sever dehydration, brain damage and stroke. In addition,
many mothers are not physically capable of providing for a newborn's needs 24 hours after giving
birth. Often they're exhausted, in pain, and faced with an overwhelming set of new
responsibilities. Many first-time mothers also need more than 24 hours in the hospital to receive
instruction in basic infant care and breast feeding.
And sometimes an early discharge can be
fatal.
Michelle Bauman testified before a Senate committee that she was told to go home 28
hours after her daughter was born. Her baby died within one day of going home. If she had been
allowed a 48-hour stay, she would have been in the hospital when her daughter's symptoms
appeared. As she so tragically put it, another 24 hours and her baby's symptoms would have
surfaced "so that we could have planned a christening, not a funeral:"
Susan Jones and her baby son were discharged after about 24 hours. It turns out that he
had a heart defect which was not noticed by the hospital or the home health nurse who came to
visit on the third day. The baby died. Susan and an independent group of pediatric cardiologists
believe the problem would have been noticed in the hospital by the second or third day.
As a nation that values the health of women and children, we must not turn our backs on
this problem. There is an emerging national consensus that we must put a stop to these so-called
"drive-through" deliveries. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the
American Academy of Pediatrics have issued guidelines recommending a minimum stay of 48
hours following most normal deliveries, and 96 hours following most cesarean sections. Sixteen
states have enacted laws to guarantee that level of coverage and 25 more are considering such a
move.
A growing number of hospitals have taken it upon themselves to provide the second day
of coverage free. And one group of insurers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans of Pennsylvania,
has responded to public concerns by voluntarily offering 48-hour minimum coverage. I believe
every insurance company should step up to this problem and do what these insurers in
Pennsylvania have done.
But in the absence of coverage for all women in all states, we have a responsibility to take
action in Washington. Already a Senate bill and separate House bills have been introduced --
most with bipartisan support -- to guarantee 48-hour post-partum hospital stays for mothers and
their children.
I urge members of Congress to move legislation forward as soon as possible that makes
this protection for mothers and their children the law of the land. No insurance company should
be free to make the final judgment about what is medically best for newborns and their mothers.
That decision should be left up to doctors, nurses and mothers themselves. Saving the life and
health of mothers and newborns is more important than saving a few dollars.
America's mothers hold a special place in our hearts. They provide the lessons and care
that enable all of our children to embrace the opportunities of this great land. They deliver the
precious gift of life. Let's give them a Mother's Day gift they richly deserve. Let's guarantee
them 48-hour hospital stays to protect their health and the health of their newborn babies.
Mothers sacrifice so much for us. It's the least we can do for them.
Happy Mother's Day and thanks for listening.
END
May 7 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1994
The President's Radio Address
May 7, 1994
Good morning. This week we saw a dramatic
leaving women more vulnerable to many dis-
example of what we can accomplish together
eases.
when you make your voices heard and Washing-
I am committed to redressing these inequities.
ton sets aside partisan differences to do the peo-
We've made a good start. We've got a fine
ple's business.
woman, the Secretary of Health and Human
Even though nearly everyone said it couldn't
Services, Donna Shalala. We created the first
be done, the House of Representatives voted
senior-level position in Government dedicated
to make our streets safer by banning the sale
to women's health concerns. We've increased
of 19 different assault weapons. We pushed hard
funds to prevent and treat diseases that afflict
for this result, and the outcome defied the old
women. Right now, the largest clinical trial in
enemy of gridlock. Democrats and Republicans
the United States' history is underway, looking
alike sent a powerful message that the American
at how to prevent heart disease, the biggest
people are determined to take their streets, their
killer of our women. We launched a national
schools, and their communities back from crimi-
action plan on breast cancer to fight the killer
nals.
of 46,000 women every year. These women are
This vote teaches us an important lesson: No
not just numbers, they are loved ones lost for-
matter how uphill a battle may seem, when we
ever. And most important, we're pushing to re-
set our minds to it, we can deal with the prob-
form the health care system.
lems facing our country. Last year it took the
The great majority of the letters Hillary and
I have received about health care reform have
same kind of commitment to pass a powerful
plan to reduce the deficit. And now we're seeing
been from women, voicing concerns for their
the rewards of that.
families, their children, and their parents. One
was from a New York woman forced to take
Just yesterday, we learned that our economy
a job with no medical coverage. Last year, a
has created over a quarter of a million jobs
lump was found in her breast, and her doctors
in April, and almost a million in the first 4
said it should be removed. But her family can't
months of this year alone, about 3 million jobs
afford the operation. "I don't want to die," she
since we all began this effort and nearly all
wrote us, "and because of lack of money, I
of them in the private sector.
may. I hope that you'll be able to do something
Our successes in fighting crime and improving
soon so that no one will have to go through
the economy are worth thinking about on this
what I am going through."
Mother's Day weekend. We are honoring the
This mother is just 44 years old. I can't share
people who are at the heart of our society's
her name because she hasn't told her family
most important institution, the family.
yet. She doesn't want them to worry. This wom-
Tomorrow, mothers all across America will
an's condition may be treatable, but she won't
enjoy the flowers, cards, and breakfasts in bed.
know because treatment is simply out of her
But we should remember another gift that will
financial reach.
improve and prolong their lives: the gift of good
Travesties like this happen too often. Women
health care. Women are the people most likely
avoid preventive care because they're afraid of
to guard their families' health care and to make
having records of preexisting conditions that will
sure we're all healthier. And yet too often our
deny them insurance coverage. In a recent sur-
health care system leaves women behind. Even
vey, 11 percent of women said they didn't get
when treatments are available, women don't get
their blood pressure checked; 35 percent didn't
the necessary health care they need because
receive a Pap smear; and 44 percent didn't re-
they have inadequate insurance or none at all.
ceive a mammogram.
More women than men work part-time or in
Our health care plan emphasizes preventive
jobs without insurance. And historically, research
care. It eliminates preexisting conditions and
studies on everything from heart disease to
bans lifetime limits on health coverage. It makes
strokes to AIDS have tended to focus on men,
research of women's health problems a priority.
858
Administration of William J. Clinton, 1994 / May 8
It helps families when a loved one needs long-
frightened, to tell him it's all right and that
term care. And it gives coverage to everyone,
his mother loves him?" No mother should have
regardless of whether she is healthy or ill, mar-
to know such pain.
ried or single, working inside or outside the
So today I ask every mother's child to send
home.
another card this Mother's Day. Address it to
For every American blessed with a mother,
your Senator or Representative in Congress. Tell
or the wonderful memory of one, I ask you
them this health care reform plan is important,
to think about the 16 million women in our
because it may help the most important person
Nation who don't get the health care services
in your life. And tell them along with mother
they need. And think about their children. Think
love, most of our mothers taught us that the
how a single illness can destroy a family.
most important thing in life was to be a good
I think of a courageous woman I met this
person and do the right thing.
week named Kate Miles, who is caring for a
Well, this Mother's Day, the right thing is
son with multiple disabilities. Her family has
to make sure that by next Mother's Day we
no assistance for long-term care. So to keep
never have to worry about the health of our
her son, Robert, out of a nursing home, and
mothers being cared for.
because of the awful way our system operates,
Thanks for listening.
Kate Miles had to give up her job, and her
husband, Tom, must work two jobs. As she so
NOTE: The address was recorded at 5:06 p.m. on
eloquently put it: "In an institution, who will
May 6 in the Roosevelt Room at the White House
be there in the middle of the night when he's
for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on May 7.
Remarks Announcing the Appointment of William H. Gray III as
Special Adviser on Haiti and an Exchange With Reporters
May 8, 1994
The President. Good afternoon, ladies and
portions. Supporters of President Aristide, and
gentlemen. I want to speak for a few moments
many other Haitians, are being killed and muti-
about the crisis in Haiti, the challenge it poses
lated. This is why 6 weeks ago I ordered a
to our national interests, and the new steps I
review of our policy toward Haiti. As a result
am taking to respond.
of this review, -we are taking several steps to
Three and a half years ago, in free and fair
increase pressure on Haiti's military while ad-
elections, the people of Haiti chose Jean-
dressing the suffering caused by their brutal
Bertrand Aristide as their President. Just 9
misrule. We are stepping up our diplomatic ef-
months later, their hopes were dashed when
forts, we are intensifying sanctions, and we are
Haiti's military leaders overthrew democracy by
adapting our migration policy.
force. Since then, the military has murdered
Let me describe these steps. First, to bring
innocent civilians, crushed political freedom, and
new vigor to our diplomacy, I am pleased to
plundered Haiti's economy.
announce that Bill Gray, president of the United
From the start of this administration, my goal
Negro College Fund, former House majority
has been to restore democracy and President
whip, and chair of the House Budget Commit-
Aristide. Last year, we helped the parties to
tee, has accepted my invitation to serve as spe-
negotiate the Governors Island accord, a fair
cial adviser to me and to the Secretary of State
and balanced agreement which laid out a road
on Haiti. Bill is here with his wife, on his way
map for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. But
to the inauguration of President Mandela in
late last year, the Haitian military abrogated the
South Africa, and I will ask him to speak in
agreement, and since then they have rejected
just a few moments. But let me just say that
every effort to achieve a political settlement.
he is a man of vision and determination, of
At the same time, the repression and blood-
real strength and real creativity. And I appre-
shed in Haiti have reached alarming new pro-
ciate his willingness to accept this difficult and
859
May 6 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1994
Remarks on Women's Health Care
May 6, 1994
Thank you, Mrs. Bailey, for the wonderful
some of the Members, who were literally threat-
introduction and for the wonderful life you have
ened with losing their seats and their political
lived.
careers. But in the end, they got beyond the
I want to thank all the mothers who are here
rhetoric to a very commonsense, old-fashioned
for doing such a good job with their sons and
American judgment that it was the right thing
daughters, helping them to achieve a full meas-
to do, the disciplined thing to do, the sort of
ure of ambition. I want to thank the Vice Presi-
thing your mother would be proud of you if
dent and Mrs. Gore for being wonderful exam-
you did. [Laughter]
ples of good parents. And I want to thank my
I say that because I want to focus on what
wonderful wife for being the best mother have
your mother would tell you to do in health
ever known, as well as for taking on this often
care, not just for emotional reasons but because
thankless but terribly important job.
every day, those of us who are charged with
You know, since Tipper was kind enough to
the responsibility of working here are supposed
mention my mother-I was sitting here thinking,
to get up and do what my mother told me
I know some of these mothers here. Rosa
to do, which is to do your job. And my mother
DeLauro's mother campaigned with me in New
used to tell me all the time, "Bill, you give
Haven, and Rosa said, "You need to get my
a good speech, but you still have to do some-
mother to go with you. She's worth a lot more
thing-[laughter]-in the end you still have to
votes than I am." [Laughter] So I watched all
do something."
the people along the way being too intimidated
There's SO much talk and genuine concern
to say no, they wouldn't vote for me. [Laughter]
in this country about the American family. We're
Sure enough, we carried it.
here paying tribute to it. Sunday we'll pay enor-
On Mother's Day we tend to think of the
mous tribute to it. And I think all of us would
wonderful and warm and kind and loving and
admit, whether we're Democrats or Republicans
sacrificial things our mothers do. You heard Hil-
or independents and whatever our political phi-
lary say that, like most families, mothers make
losophies are, that if the families of this country
the health care decisions and prod everybody
weren't in so much trouble, we'd have about
else to do But you know, very often mothers
half as many problems as we've got. I think
are also the most practical members of the fam-
we all know that. But what I want to ask you
ily and the most hard-headed and the most in-
is what my mother would ask me, "Well, SO
sistent that we face up to our responsibilities.
what are you going to do about it?" And how
Very often the values, the internal character
can we be so concerned with the stability of
structure of children is profoundly influenced
the family as an institution, and still walk away
by the sort of daily insistence of mothers that
from those stories that Hillary talked to you
you just face up to your daily tasks and do
about? I mean, we've heard so many of these
your job and life will take care of itself. And
stories, we can't keep up with them all now.
that may seem terribly elemental, but one of
We literally cannot keep up with them all.
the reasons that I ran for President is I thought
Millions of women in this country have no
all that had been abandoned here, and there
health insurance. Many more have insurance
was a lot more talk than action.
policies full of the kind of loopholes that you
Now, last month, we just learned today that
heard Hillary describe. There are policies that
our economy produced 267,000 new jobs, in
deny mammograms or that don't pay for well-
no small measure because the people in this
baby visits or prescription drugs, that routinely
National Government have begun to take re-
exclude pregnancy as a preexisting condition.
sponsibility for bringing the deficit down and
How can a pro-family country say pregnancy
trying to do things that will grow the economy.
is a preexisting condition? Some insurance com-
Yesterday, in a heroic move, the United States
panies have gone SO far as to call domestic vio-
House of Representatives voted to ban 19 as-
lence a preexisting condition. Well, SO is breath-
sault weapons. It was a very difficult thing for
ing.
854
Administration of William J. Clinton, 1994 / May
A couple of weeks ago, in the New York
have it and some don't. And we don't kno
Times, there was a remarkable column by a
whether or not there are different potential re
novelist named Anne Hood who wrote how the
olutions of this for women than for men.
system fails families today. She said she was
We're trying to change all that in this admini
at-
a self-employed writer and her husband had a
tration. For one thing, I've put only wome
hard time finding health insurance. And when
in charge of the health care struggle. Donr
he
they finally found insurance that they were actu-
Shalala is Secretary of Health and Human Ser
ed
ally able to purchase, the quarterly payment was
ices. America became the first nation in th
$1,800. That's $7,200 a year for a family policy.
world to establish a senior Government positic
of
And still, after they paid all that money, their
to oversee women's health issues. I put a woma
if
worries weren't over. She and her husband
and a mother in charge of health care reforr
moved from New York to Rhode Island, and
and you can see she's done a pretty good jo
she had a baby. After the baby was born, she
and we're all still pretty healthy.
learned the insurance company had dropped
We created an office of research on women
their coverage when they moved 6 months into
health at the National Institutes of Health, an
se
th
her pregnancy. And to renew her insurance
increased funding for breast cancer research, f
would have cost $2,000 more a quarter, an extra
a national action plan on breast cancer, for r
$8,000 a year for maternity coverage. That was
search into other problems that affect wome
more than it would cost to have the baby.
We removed barriers that stood in the way
Now, it's seems to me that common. sense
finding cures to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's di
tells you that if we can make it possible for
ease. We passed the family and medical leaf
self-employed people, like this fine woman and
law, a pro-family bill if I ever saw it. You oug
:o
her husband, and small business people to afford
to read the letters that we get on that.
to take care of themselves and their families.
But if we really want to do right by the Ame
and to stop passing on their costs to the rest
ican family, and if we really want to honor o
of us, and we can organize it so they can buy
mothers, if we want the emotional satisfactic
insurance on the same terms that those of us
of seeing a lot of that pain taken away ai
d
who work for government or big business can,
the personal satisfaction of thinking we ha
that we ought to do that. And it seems to me.
done what our mothers would have told us
that their mothers would tell them they ought
do, which is to face up to our responsibiliti
y
to pay a little for it and assume their responsibil-
and do the right thing, then we've got to fir
ity, too.
a way to provide health care to all American
We have got to try to reform this system
to guarantee comprehensive benefits, includit
to try to help people stay healthy and take care
preventive care, including those screenings ai
of them when they're sick. In any given year,
tests and check-ups to keep people well, n
V
about a third of all American women fail to
just spend a fortune on them when they real
f
get basic preventive services, like clinical breast
get in trouble.
exams, Pap smears, complete physicals. More
We've got to preserve the right to choo
than half of all American women over the age
doctors that women normally make the choi
of 50 fail to receive a mammogram, often be-
of. And our older women need to be able
cause of problems with their insurance.
rely on Medicare.
In medical research, women have been on
We can do these things. We can fix wha
the sidelines too long, too little research into
wrong with our system and not mess up wha
the causes and cure of breast cancer and
right. But in order to do it, it's going to ta
osteoporosis. Heart disease is a number one kill-
the same discipline that was required to de
er of women, but until recently, all of the search
with the problems of the economy, the sar
for a cure was centered only on men. The sim-
courage that was required to take that vote y
ple fact is that we've paid too little attention
terday on assault weapons, and some memo
to the unique problems of women.
that that is, after all, what we were raised
I met with a lot of mothers this week whose
our mothers to do. And on Mother's Day,
children either have or have already died of
hope that we will all resolve that by Mothe
AIDS, and there are an enormous number of
Day next year, the women who cared for
women who now have the HIV virus and who
will have a health care system that cares
-
have passed it along to their children, or some
them.
8
May 6 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1994
Thank you very much.
he referred to Barbara Bailey, mother of Rep-
resentative Barbara B. Kennelly, and Luisa
NOTE: The President spoke at 11:52 a.m. on the
DeLauro, mother of Representative Rosa L.
South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks,
DeLauro.
Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With Prime Minister
Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia
May 6, 1994
Jones Lawsuit
keep their word. But we certainly can't afford
Q. Mr. President, do you have any comment
to rule it out.
on the lawsuit filed against you today?
Q. Do you think you might have announce-
The President. Well, I thought Mr. Bennett
ments regarding the refugee policy, was that
did a fine job. I don't have anything to add
what you were referring to?
to what he said.
The President. I don't have-I'll make an an-
Q. Are you going to argue that all the charges
nouncement when I have something to say
are false?
about Haiti policy. But I don't have anything
The President. I don't have anything to add
else to say.
to what Mr. Bennett said. I'm going back to
Q. Are you referring to the refugee policy?
work.
The President. I have nothing else to say
Q. Do you categorically deny the charges?
about it.
The President. Bob Bennett spoke for me,
[At this point, one group of reporters left the
and I'm going back to work. I'm not going to
room, and another group entered.]
dignify this by commenting on it.
Malaysia
Haiti
Q. Mr. President, you missed Dr. Mahathir
Q. Can you tell us whether you're thinking
in Seattle. Now that you have met him person-
ally, how do you feel about it?
of changing your Haiti policy regarding the re-
The President. Well, we haven't had a chance
turn of the refugees given the escalation of vio-
lence?
to visit yet, but I have been looking forward
The President. We've had our Haiti policy
to this for a long time. I admire his leadership
very much, and I admire the incredible accom-
under review, as you know, for the last 3 or
4 weeks. And we had a meeting about it today.
plishments of his nation under his leadership
over the last several years. And I look forward
We're going to meet again tomorrow. And I
think we may have some announcements to
to establishing a good relationship with him and
make after that.
continuing our partnership.
Q. About changing the policy on the refugees,
I'm also very grateful for the security partner-
sir?
ship we have had and for the contributions that
Q. Have you tasked the Defense Department
have been made by Malaysia to the operation
to do some military options just in case these
in Bosnia, to the operation in Somalia, and to
sanctions cut today don't work?
being a responsible leader in world affairs.
The President. I don't want to discuss that.
So we've got a lot to talk about and I'm
As I have said, I do not favor that option. I
looking forward to it.
just don't think we can rule it out. I think it
NOTE: The exchange began at 2:55 p.m. in the
would be irresponsible to rule it out.
Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks,
Q. You do not favor that option?
the President referred to attorney Robert Ben-
The President. Well, I've never favored-you
nett. Former Arkansas State employee Paula
know what I favor. What I've been trying to
Jones' lawsuit sought civil damages for alleged sex-
do is to get Governors Island followed. I'm try-
ual harassment in 1991. A tape was not available
ing-I think the people down there ought to
for verification of the content of this exchange.
856
Their ind deft
The following letter was prepared following meetings involving NEC Principals and
Deputies. Discussions continue on who will sign the letter. Please provide comments
to me ASAP, but no later than 10:00 AM, tomorrow, Fraidy, 5/1.
You will receive a hard copy of this request also.
DRAFT
Senator Orrin Hatch
Chairman
Senate Judiciary Committee
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC
Dear Mr. Chairman,
I am writing to express the Administration's general views on consumer bankruptcy reform
proposals currently under consideration in the Congress.
Over the past two decades, consumer bankruptcy filings have risen sharply. While there are
many contending theories on the cause of that increase, it is clear that there is no single
explanation. Nonetheless, the growing number of filings, examples of abuse of Chapter 7 and
state exemptions, and evidence of imprudent extensions of credit suggest some changes to the
consumer bankruptcy laws are appropriate. The lack of definitive evidence about the reasons
for the rise in bankruptcies means that it is difficult to predict the effect of reform efforts. The
Administration, therefore, has developed the following set of principles to guide its review of
changes to the consumer bankruptcy laws.
1.
Access to Chapter 7 should not be governed by an arbitrary means test; the court
must have discretion to fairly account for the great variations in circumstances
that bring debtors into bankruptcy (including medical expenses, unemployment,
divorce, responsibility for the care of others, etc.) To promote more uniform
application of bankruptcy standards, this determination should take place within
indicative or presumptive guidelines established by Congress that take into account
factors such as the debtor's income and ability to repay a portion of the debt.
2.
National bankruptcy policy can respect state variation in exemption levels without
allowing state exemptions to be used to shield luxury assets from creditors.
3.
It is appropriate to expect debtors who can afford to repay a portion of their debts
(taking into account all relevant circumstances) to act responsibly; but the
bankruptcy and credit reporting system should reward those who complete a
Chapter 13 plan.
4.
Bankruptcy reform should not create opportunities for creditors to coerce debtors
to forgo bona fide rights in bankruptcy.
5.
Bankruptcy rules should discourage bad faith repeat filings and other attempts to
abuse the privilege accorded by access to bankruptcy.
6.
Child support and alimony payments should be carefully protected.
We must ensure that reforms have no unintended adverse impact on debtors'
ability to meet these, and other, priority payments.
7.
Bankruptcy data collection and accuracy must be improved.
Analysis and understanding of the forces affecting bankruptcy filings are
impeded by the lack of high-quality, nationally uniform data. Better data
collection and verification procedures should be incorporated in any reform
proposals. Such data can be used to assess and monitor the impact of reform
legislation.
8.
Scrutiny must also be given to credit industry practices that have led some
borrowers to overextend themselves.
While some of these issues may fall outside of the Judiciary Committee's
jurisdiction, Congress and the Administration should consider proposals to
ensure that consumers are well informed about the dangers of excessive debt
accumulation and understand the implications of their credit agreements.
The Clinton Administration is open to responsible consumer bankruptcy reform that meets
these principles. We have reluctantly concluded that we cannot support H.R. 3150 in its
present form. We would look forward to working with Congress toward legislation more
similar to the approach of S. 1301 -- with modifications necessary to meet the principles
articulated above.
Sincerely,
Overall everybody has to take responsibility or
peace of mind
child support
'96 child support vadio
Too may fathers twick they can wall away
But every child has 2 parents
In fact (one of main reasons people go on welf is b/cop deadbeats
If every father pd what Owed 1-welf rolls drop by million
7 Govt ends up
we have made great progress
Dbled on collection
even more
welf other &
Much of good progress work cd be a accidentally wadone
Banh reform will
by maling mothers compate
When a father in declares bank, forces mother to compete w/ CC co's
for the $ they are owed
05/06/98 WED 12:56 FAX 202 690 5673
DHHS/ASPA
002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Michael Kharfen
DRAFT
(202) 401-9215
HHS HELPS PARENTS CHOOSE AND STATES BETTER INFORM PARENTS ON QUALITY
CHILD CARE
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today released a new, practical and easy-to-use guide for
parents to choose quality child care providers and a brochure for states on improving consumer education
to parents. Both were announced by President Clinton in his message for Mother's Day. The guide,
named "Four Steps to Selecting a Child Care Provider", will be available on the world wide web and
distributed to states and communities to share with parents. The brochure, entitled "Reaching Parents
with Child Care Consumer Education" will be sent to states and available on the web.
"As President Clinton says, no parent should have to choose between the job they need and the
children they love," said Secretary Shalala. "Millions of America's working parents struggle each with
three basic questions about child care: can I find it? can I afford it? and can I trust it?"
"This handy and helpful guide can give parents more confidence in selecting the best child care
provider for their kids," Shalala added. "The valuable information we provide to the states will help
ensure that parents learn the who, where and how of getting good child care."
The "Four Steps" guide suggests a simple, basic approach to selecting a quality child care
provider: interview the potential caregiver, check references, make the decision for quality care and stay
involved with the caregiver. Each step has a list of easy to follow questions for parents to ask and check
off to learn about how the potential provider interacts with children, responds to parents, ensures proper
health and safety standards, is affordable, and meets any special needs of their children. There are also
toll-free numbers for more information on health and safety and to find a local child care resource and
referral program.
A February 1998 report by the HHS Inspector General found that "most [states] were not able to
provide sufficient consumer education" for parents to decide on quality child care programs. HHS's new
guide to states provides successful examples and useful recommendations to states and child care
administrators on efforts to inform parents better on how to their assess their child care needs, locate
services, obtain subsidies for income eligible families, evaluate quality and choose the best, appropriate
care for their children. The guide contains examples of effective public awareness campaigns, use of the
world wide web and toll free telephone numbers, information resources, and state initiatives to enhance
child care quality.
The availability of quality child care is a challenge for parents to find. A survey of parents
revealed that 62 percent of working parents report major problems finding quality child care to meet
their needs. A study on quality and cost of child care in several states found that only 1 out of 7 child
care programs met an acceptable level of quality. Another reported that 13 percent of regulated and 50
percent of non-regulated care were found to provide inadequate care. Most importantly, a continuing
study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, shows that there is a direct
connection between higher quality care and better cognitive development for children.
"Though states are making investments to help improve the quality of care, most are using funds
to provide as many child care spaces as they can." Golden added, "The 'Four Step' guide and the
consumer education brochure for states won't go out of date to help parents find quality child care."
[712-5692]
003
05/06/98 WED 12:57 FAX 202 690 5673
DHHS/ASPA
DRAFT
Early this year, President Clinton proposed an historic investment in child care for America's
working families. The unprecedented $21.7 billion program will expand subsidies for low income
working families, increase tax credits for middle income families and provide resources to states and
communities to enhance and ensure that parents have quality choices in child care providers. The
President's plan gives parents flexible options to choose a child caretaker in their home, in a
neighborhood home or a center. There are 10 million children eligible for federal subsidies, yet only 1
million children receive support. With 70 percent of America's mothers in the work force, working
parents are desperately in need of help to continue to support their kids and have safe, healthy places for
their children for part of the day.
"Four Steps to Selecting a Child Care Provider" and "Reaching Parents with Child Care
Consumer Education" can be found on the world wide web at http://www.acf.dhhs.gov. For the toll-free
number for a nearby child care resource and referral program, call Child Care Aware at (800) 424-2246.
For more information on health and safety in child care programs, call the National Resource Center for
Health and Safety in Child Care at (800) 598-KIDS.
###
05/06/98 WED 14:53 FAX 202 690 5673
DHHS/ASPA
002
Interview
Four Steps to Selecting
Check References
a Child Care Provider
Make the Decision
Stay Involved
1. Interview Caregivers
Call First
Ask
Is there an opening for my child?
Do you provide transportation?
What hours and days are you open and
Do you provide meals (breakfast, lunch,
where are you located?
dinner, snacks)?
How much does care cost? Is financial
Do you have a license, accreditation, or
assistance available?
other certification?
How many children are in your care?
When can I come to visit?
What age groups do you serve?
Visit Next (Visit more than once, stay as long as you can!)
Look for
Responsive, nurturing, warm interactions
A variety of toys and learning materials,
between caregiver and children.
such as books, puzzles, blocks, and
Children who are happily involved in
climbing equipment, that your child will
daily activities and comfortable with their
find interesting and which will contribute
caregiver.
to their growth and development.
A clean, safe, and healthy indoor and
Children getting individual attention.
outdoor environment, especially
napping, eating and toileting areas.
Ask
Can I visit at any time?
Where do children nap? Do you know
How do you handle discipline?
that-babies should go to sleep on their
What do you do if a child is sick?
backs?
What would you do in case of an
What training have you (and other
emergency?
staff/substitutes) had?
Are all children and staff required to be
May I see a copy of your license or other
immunized?
certification?
Do you have a substitute or back-up
May I have a list of parents (current and
caregiver?
former) who have used your care?
NUMAR
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Child Care Bureau
05/06/98 WED 14:53 FAX 202 690 5673
DHHS/ASPA
003
2. Check References
Ask other parents
Was the caregiver reliable on a daily
Was the caregiver respectful of your
basis?
values and culture?
How did the caregiver discipline your
Would you recommend the caregiver
child?
without reservation?
Did your child enjoy the child care
If your child is no longer with the
experience?
caregiver, why did you leave?
How did the caregiver respond to you as
a parent?
Ask the local child care resource and referral program or licensing office
What regulations should child care providers meet in my area?
Is there a record of complaints about the child care provider I am considering and how do I find
out about it?
3. Make the Decision for Quality Care
From what you heard and saw, ask yourself
Which child care should I choose so that
Is the child care available and affordable
my child will be happy and grow?
according to my family's needs and
Which caregiver can meet the special
resources?
needs of my child?
Do I feel good about my decision?
Are the caregiver's values compatible
with my family's values?
4. Stay Involved
Ask yourself
How can I arrange my schedule so that I
How can I work with my caregiver to
can
resolve issues and concerns that may
I
talk to my caregiver every day?
arise?
- talk to my child every day about how
How do I keep informed about my child's
the day went?
growth and development while in care?
- visit and observe my child in care at
How can I promote good working
different times of the day?
conditions for my child care provider?
- be involved in my child's activities?
How can I network with other parents?
These steps are only the beginning. Gather as much information as possible to help you find the
best care for your child. To find the Child Care Resource and Referral Program nearest you, call
Child Care Aware: (800) 424-2246. For more complete guidelines on health and safety in child
care, call the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care: (800) 598-KIDS (5437).
002
202 690 5600 P.02
REACHING
PARENTS
DHHS/ASPA
WITH CHILD CARE
CONSUMER EDUCATION
ACF/ACYF/DCC
05/06/98 WED 45 13:45 FAX 202 690 5673
MAY-05-1998 17:16
8 Department 1
Medical and Human Rervices
Administration for Children and
Claim Copy Bujees
003
202 690 5600 P.03
REACHING
PARENTS
DHHS/ASPA
WITH CHILD CARE
CONSUMER EDUCATION
ACF/ACYF/DCC
05/06/98 WED 13:45 FAX 202 690 5673
MAY-05-1998 17:16
U.S. Department of
Health ml thinks Service
Administration for Children and Families
Cull Care Burnew
1 004
We...know how important is is to ensure choice
for parents in their selection of child care. One
202 690 5600 P.04
size fus all child care does not fis America's
families. We don't work the same hours. we
don't have the same economic or other kinds of
pressurer that we're dealing with, so we have 10
provide more options and we have to empower
parents with good Information 10 enable them 10
become good consumers.
What is Child Care
- First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, October 23, 1997
Parents ACTOSS the country report difficulties accessing child care.
Consumer Education?
In 1996, the National Association of Child Care Resource and
Referral Agencies found that 62 percent of working parents report
major problems finding quality child care to meet their needs.
DHHS/ASPA
Especially in this day and age when most parents
work, nothing is more important than finding
The availability of child care varies from community 10
child care that is affordable, accessible and safe.
community and by the type of care needed. In ONE study, 88
percent of the available spaces in centers in low-income
- President Bill Clinion, October 23, 1997
communities were filled (Ross, 1996). Child care may also be
ACF/ACYF/DCC
especially difficuk to find in rural communities, where there are
Families need quality, affordable child CNC so that they can
fewer centers or family child care providers and where available
succeed as parents and as workers. Child care commes
caregivers may not be near a family's home or workplace.
education provides parents with child care information to assess
Compounding these scarcities are difficulties encountered by
their needs, locate services, evaluate quality, and choose the best
parents looking for care for infants and toddless, school-age
possible care for their children. The ability to select high quality
05/06/98 WED 13:45 FAX 202 690 5673
children, during nontraditional hours and for children with special
arrangements from an array of choices is essential. Since parents
needs. The General Accounting Office found in 1997 that "the
of all incomes are using child care in increasing numbers, one-on-
largest gaps between known supply and demand In the poor areas
ONC consumer education and multi-media public awareness
of the selected sites exist for infants, school-aged children or
campaigns are critical to improving access to quality, affordable
both."
MAY-05-1998 17:16
care. The development of effective consumer education initiatives
Lavolves input and feedback from the consumer - the parent.
Good consumer education is critical 10 making
she market function properly. If parents are not
able to make informed choices, cheir access to the
I
2
005
1
202 690 5600 P.05
market is limited. Further, 11 parents demand
safe and quality care, providers are more likely
Child Care Aware to a national Initiative to provide
to supply it. (Office of the Inspector General, US
Information about child care to parents. The mission of
Department of Health and Human Services)
Child Care Aware is to ensure that every parent has
access to good Information about Finding quality child
Research with parent focus groups has found that this consumer
care and resources In their community through national
decision is challenging For many families because:
consumer marketing and by raising the visibility of local
child care resource and referral agencies.
parents may feel isolated when looking for child care
and report that they usually do not know what they are
Child Care Aware has Identified eight key principles for
looking for at the outsel of their search;
designing effective child care consumer education efforts
most parents me not aware of the availability of child
24 the state and local levels. Successful project designs
care resource and referral services; and
Include:
many parents cannot afford quality care, even if it is
available.
outreach to targeted audiences;
DHHS/ASPA
respect for parents' perspectives;
To face these challenges and make informed choices about child
care, parents need support as they begin the process of choosing
feedback from consumers;
and evaluating care for their children. This support includes
the Importance of trust;
information, personal attention, and access to financial assistance.
an understanding of adult learning:
ACF/ACYF/DCC
INFORMATION. Parents need information to make the best
Makages between consumer education and other
decision for their children's care, including:
famMy Issues;
engaging community partners; and
What child care arrangements are available, and how
to Identify the elements that ensure the health and safety
partnerships that build upon the strengths of
of the children.
resource and referral programs and public agencies
05/06/98 WED 13:46 FAX 202 690 5673
Strategies to develop a partnership with the caregiver.
that serve low-Income parents.
Opportunities to observe, evaluate. and stay actively
Child Care Aware is an Inkladve managed by the
involved.
National Association of Child Care Resource and
Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) with the Child Care
MAY-05-1998 17:17
PERSONAL ATTENTION. As parents seek child care, the
Action Campaign and the National Association for
opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with a referral
Family Child Care as advisory partners.
counselor is Important to ensure that the information provided Is
(allored to the unique needs of each family.
3
4
006
1
ACCESS TO SUPPORT. Information about child care subsidies at
202 690 5600 P.06
Bright Dreams: A Child Care Consumer Education Program
the state and local level, materials about the Barned Income Tax
Reaching Parents-to-Be and New Parents
Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can help
parents afford the care of their choice.
Programs for Parents, a child cure resource and referral
agency in NEW JERSEY, is Implementing a Child Care Aware
Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCR&Rs) can
consumer education program focused on parents-in-waiting and
support families by connecting them to the information they need,
new parents. The program conveys a message about quality child
while providing ORD-OR-ONE counseling opportunities ю help them
care to parents attending Lamaze method and parenting classes,
choose quality care for their children. According to the National
and through closed circuk televtition in the maternity departments
Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
of four large hospitals In Essex County, New Jersey.
(NACCRRA), community based CCR&Rs:
Programs for Parents, by collaboration with the Newark
Office for Children and the County of Esser, designed the
support families in the most Important roles of
program to reach parents when they are the most receptive to
nurturing their chikdren and balancing the demands of
this information, in the late stage of their premancy or just after
the birth of their baby. The Bright Dreams program presents a
family and work;
brtef video showing scenes of quality child care activities and
compile, analyze, and share information with parents,
DHHS/ASPA
programs. The video Includes segments with parents describing
child care providers, and communities;
why they chose their caregiver, Mong with charts of what is
support Individuals and programs that care for
Important to look for when seeking quality/care. Accompanying
children; and
the video is a newsletter published In English and Spanth that
build connections in communities and states to create
provides Information about quality and a checklist for evaluating
appropriate policies on family and children's issues and
Infane care options.
ACF/ACYF/DCC
to generate additional resources for child care.
A draft version of the video was presented to several
groups of parents, family child care providers, staff members,
and the hospital committee. The producers also attended the
meeting, to be responsive 10 suggestions. Input from providers
and parents was also Incorporated Into the newsletter and
checkfist.
05/06/98 WED 13:47 FAX 202 690 5673
The Bright Dreams program Includes a media campaign
that Includes public service announcements, press releases, and
bus advertisements. Campaign materials are produced in both
English and Spanish. Local celevision stations that broadcast to a
primarily Latino audience have expressed Interest in designing a
MAY-05-1998 17:17
program around the video. Cable celevision stations have
expressed similar Interest.
5
5
007
When a parent is enrolled In the child care subsidy program
202 690 5600 P.07
in CALIFORNIA, he/she b asked If a child care provider has
been selected. If they have not selected a child care provider,
they are referred to the local resource and referral program.
The resource and referral agency provides counseling on how
to select a child care provider that best meets the family's
needs, and a Desc of providers for the family to visit. California
has legislated that child care resource and referral staff be co-
located in each county welfare office in order to provide
consumer education and referrals to parents. Multimillion
What States Are Doing
dollar funding for this new Initiative is part of the Governor's
budget.
The Child and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is the major
source of federal funding to the States 10 help low-income parents
However, some barriers continue to exisi that Interfere with the
find and afford child care. Under the CCDBG, States are
development of strong consumer education networks. The Office
required to certify that they will "promote informed child care
of the Inspector General, in a 1998 report, found that "most
DHHS/ASPA
choices." Additionally, the CCDBG legislation includes x set
[States] were not able to provide sufficient consumer education."
aside of not less than 4 percent of total funds for activities that are
Similar obstacles were found across the states, including:
"designed 10 provide comprehensive consumer education to
parents and the public. activities that increase parental choice, and
large caseloads and long waiting lists, impeding
activities designed to improve the quality and availability of child
community agencies' ability to regularly provide services
ACF/ACYF/DCC
care (such as resource and referral services)."
beyond eligibility determination and payment;
multiple functions of child care resource and referral
This requirement has led to innovative new consumer education
agencies, including separate subsidy and education
initiatives across the country. Many states have begun efforts to
components that do not interact to serve parents; and
integrate the child care subsidy application process with consumer
reliance on print materials as the primary means of
05/06/98 WED 13:47 FAX 202 690 5673
education programs. CCDBG funds have supported the efforts of
communication with families.
community agencies such as child care resource and referral
agencies to inform parents about available child care services.
According Ю a study by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., low-
These efforts have increased the child care consumer education
income families face severe constraints, including limited Income,
MAY-05-1998 17:18
services available to low-income families, and have created new
Jobs with inflexible and nonstandard schedules, an insufficient
opportunities to tell families about child care assistance available
supply of formal child care, and a lack of other adults in the
through subsidy programs.
household to assist with work and childrearing responsibilities.
These constraints make the search for child care more difficult.
7
8
008
1
Recognizing that il is through a combination of individual
consumer education and public awareness activities that parents
Quality of Care From 2 Parent's Point of View
will seek and assess child care, and eventually increase the
JOGO
demand for bigh quality care, states have adopted different
Traditionally, in designing child care and family policy,
strategies to help educate parents about their child care choices
everyone speaks for the child and for the parents
and the availability of subsidies. In some cases, they have
except perhaps the parents themselves. OREGON Is
established statewide networks of resource and referral agencies
setting a place at the table for the child care consumer by
ю insure that every parent in the state has a reliable resource to
trying to help parents find their voice and articulate their
turn to for information about child care.
vital Interests in public policy through a coordinated
effort at many levels. Efforts Include:
An on-going research project measuring quality of
care from a parent's point of view and studying its
INDIANA has launched an Inktactive to enhance and expand
policy correlates.
statewide and local resource and referral activities. The
The 20-member Achleving Quality for Children
primary services available to parents and community agencies
will Include information on the supply and availability of child
Policy Council, a vigorous parent group, has
DHHS/ASPA
care throughout the state, and consumer education and child
developed a brochure: "In a Parent's Voice: Tips
care referrals for families. The goal to to create a system of
from Parents to Parents, about Looking for Quality
consumer education and public awareness to encourage
Child Care."
parents to seek, evaluate and eventually demand quality child
A network of groups, task forces, research projects,
care.
and agencies cooperating In a loosely coordinated
ALF/ALTF/ULL
way to pursue common goals, in affiliation with the
Oregon Child Care Research Partnership.
The Child Care and Development Block Grans Report of Since
The collection, analysis, and use of data on family
Plans shows:
and child care demographics to drive policy and
planning.
More than one-quarter of the states use the media,
05/06/98 WED 13:48 FAX 202 690 5673
mallings, brochures, posters, public service
(Quality of Care From a Parent's Point of View: A
announcements and other mechanisms to alert parents to
Place x the Policy Table for Child Care Consumers,
the availability of subsidized child care.
Arthur Emlen, 1996 unpublished paper,
Over half of the states provide materials to community
Oregon Child Care Research Partnership, Portland,
agencies, local programs and child care providers and
MHT-05-1590 17.10
Oregon)
other state agencies to distribute information to the
families they serve.
Three-quarters of the states provide information on the
availability of child care all the point of intake for families
9
10
600
applying for TANF.
many states maximize the effectiveness of the consumer education
Almost two-thirds of the states use resource and
services they provide.
referral agencies to provide information to families on the
aaoc aco 700
availability of child care subsidies and on the range of
choices available to families.
In UTAH, the resource and referral agency has prepared a side
show and Video for parents on how to choose child care, which
Other states are using multi-media campaigns to make consumer
are shown while families apply for the child care subsidy N the
education available 24 hours n day. Internet and other
Employment Center. Pamphiers and books are also available.
technologies have made chis approach cost-effective and simple
Familles may also attend a workshop on "How to Choose Quality
to implement.
Child Care."
NORTH CAROLINA, CALIFORNIA, NEW JERSEY and
In other states, the resource and referral system is the central
ILLINOIS are among she states using the World Wide Web #
point of contact for families to access the child care subsidy
one means of delivering child care consumer education to
program and consumer education. This integrated approach is
families. Each state has several child care pages, including
designed to provide parents with easy access to resources,
DHHS/ASPA
information on "What Parents Should Know about Child Care,"
financial assistance, and counselors to support their child's needs.
searchable directories of regulated child care providers, how to
It is also used 10 support statewide public awareness campaigns to
participate in the child care subsidy program and a listing of local
educate families, providers and employers about the importance
child care resource and referral agencies. Which includes
of quality child care.
Information about standards for centers and family child care
homes. Links to other organizations with Information on finding
and choosing child care are also included.
Child Care Management Agencies In ALABAMA, located In the
community resource and referral agencies, provide consumer
education and child care referral services 10 low-Income families.
Community resource and referral agencies are also using
They also process eligibility applications from families and
technology to meet the diverse needs of families In multiple
process payments to providers.
05/06/98 WED 13:48 FAX 202 690 5673
settings. In WASHINGTON size, Child Care Resources, the
community resource and referral agency serving Sexttle/King
County, b using the Web to provide consumer education and
The FLORIDA Children's Forum administers a statewide
referrals. This will soon be available statewide.
resource and referral network that oversees consumer education
activities throughout the state. The Forum develops a statewide
CT.JT ACCT-CA-1HI.1
listing of early childhood services, consumer education materials
Many states have developed systems to bring consumer education
in a variety of languages and formats, tecluding the brochure
to families applying for the child case subsidy. Co-location of
"See h Through Your Child's Eyes," and outreach programs to
these services 20 the time and place of application has helped
help families locate and afford quality child care.
11
12
@ ACC
010
5.
Several states have designed consumer education initiatives
Reaching Parents through child care consumer education is &
are aaac DCD >
targeted to the needs of certain families, such as those with
vital step in the process of ensuring that families have access to
school-age children or families of children with special needs.
the best possible child care services for their children.
Often, these are collaborative efforts with partners from other
Responsive consumer education strengthens the child care
state agencies, community agencies, schools, health care
delivery system and enables parents, providers and communities
providers and other service agencies.
to work together to identify and address their child care needs.
There are many examples in states and local communities of
COLORADO Options for Inclusive Child Care, administered by
effective consumer education initiatives. As states continue to
the Colorado Office of Resource and Referral Agencles, is a
address the growing need for child care services, consumer
9699 at, AAD VWJ 70.00 201 08/Cn/en
project designed 10 Increase the awareness of child care resource
education will be the mechanism for sharing information with
and referral agencles (RBIRS) of the Issues that Impact families of
families, providing essential support and connecting families with
children and youth with special needs, and to assist RAIRS to
the services they need.
develop strategies that support families In building partnerships
with child care and respite care workers. The protect will build
the capacity of community agencies to act as a unalyst In
DHHS/ASPA
promoting community Involvement in inclusive child care and
increase community utilization of RoxRs for recruiting, training,
and supporting providers of child care and respite services.
Four Steps for Parents Selecting a
ATTAN
Services for families and providers include problem solving when
Child Care Provider
care options are Emited or non-existent, tips on Interviewing and
contracting, and help in Identifying bankers to Inclusion specific
to each care setting.
Child Care 2000, a broad collaborative in WASHINGTON
1. Interview Caregivers
coordinated by the Washington State Child Care Resource and
05/06/98 WED WED 13:49 FAX 202 690 5673
Referral Network and involving 14 statewide early childhood and
2. Check References
youth organizations, 4 state agencies, the Child Care
Coordinating Committee, is a consumer education and parent
engagement campaign to Inform parents about the Importance
3. Make the Decision for Quality Care
of quality adult caregiving relationships for children and youth of
all ages. One of the lessons learned during the campaign has
been that one message does not A: all parents' situations. Child
4. Stay Involved
DECT
Care 2000 developed a message to the parents of school-agers
that is relevant to the complexities Involved In the process of
choosing an appropriate place for their school-age child. A
positive message was chosen which grabs parents' attention:
School Age Care: Growing Up With Someplace To Go.
14
011
202 690 5500 P.11
National Organizations
National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral
Agencies
The following organizations have information and resources for
1319 F Street, NW, Suite 606
states, families and communities.
Washington, DC 20004-1106
(202) 393-5501
Child Care Action Campaign
330 7th Avenue, 17th Floor
World Wide Web: http://www.childcarerr.org
New York, NY 10001
National Black Child Development Institute
(212) 239-0138
1023 Fifteenth Street, NW, Suite 600
Children's Defense Fund
Washington, DC 20005
25 E Street, NW
(202) 387-1281
Washington, DC 20001
World Wide Web: http://www.nbcdi.org
(202) 628-8787
National Child Care Information Center
World Wide Web: http://www.childrensdefense.org
243 Church Street, NW 2nd Floor
Families and Work Institute
Vienaa, VA 22160
330 Seventh Avenue, 14th Floor
(800) 616-2242 (Lia of state child care administrators available)
DHHS/ASPA
New York, NY 10001
World Wide Web: http://nccic.org
(212) 465-2044
National Parent Information Network
World Wide Web: http://www.familiesandworkinst.org
University of Illinois Children's Research Center
/ Am Your Child
51 Gerty Drive
RCF/ACYF/DCC
(888) 447-3400
Champaign, IL 61820-7469
http://www.iamyourchild.org
(800) 583-4135 or (217) 333-1386
World Wide Web: http://apin.org
National Association for the Education of Young Chikdren
1509 16th Street, NW
Zero To Three/National Center for Clinical Infam Programs
Washington, DC 20036
734 15th Street, NW, 10th Floor
05/06/98 WED 13:50 FAX 202 690 5673
(800) 424-2460 or (202) 232-8777
Washington, DC 20005-2101
(202) 638-1144
World Wide Web: http://www.maeyc.org/nacyc
World Wide Web: http://www.xerotothree.or
MAY-05-1998 17:20
CHILD CARE AWARE
A toll-free phone number provides parents with a
direct link to their community child care
15
resource and referral agency:
800-424-2246
012
1
(
Γ.16
"
'-' aase ace PAZ
DHHS/ASPA
ACF/ACYF/DCC
05/06/98 WED 13:50 FAX 202 690 5673
MAY-05-1998 17:21
Reaching Parents with Child Care CONSUMER Education was prepared for the Child
Care Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Heakbrand
Human Services by the National Child Care Information Center.
DRAFT
AUTHOR
GUIDELINES
FOR THE SCREENING
OF PERSONS WORKING
WITH CHILDREN,
THE ELDERLY,
AND INDIVIDUALS
WITH DISABILITIES
IN NEED OF SUPPORT
OJDP
Summary
eword
All too frequently, we read stories in our daily newspapers, see on the nightly news, or hear
about yet another individual who is the victim of abuse at the hands of a care provider - - a care
provider with a criminal history of similar abuses or who is otherwise not fit to care for
vulnerable individuals. The victim may be a child in a preschool program, an elderly person who
needs assisted living care, or a disabled individual who requires institutional care.
Today nearly 35 million adults come into contact with more than 70 million children in
educational institutions, day care facilities, foster care homes, youth development organizations,
social service agencies' medical facilities, recreation centers, religious-based programs, and
juvenile detention, correctional, and law enforcement facilities. More than 5 million of the
estimated 33.9 million Americans older than 65 years need some form of assisted care and an
additional 2.3 million of the 36 million Americans with a disability require residential treatment.
The total number of Americans in need of some care is estimated at more than 77.3 million.
When Congress introduced and passed the National Child Protection Act in 1993, it addressed
concerns we all share: concerns about the qualifications of those who care for the members of
our society most susceptible to abuse. The Violent Crime and Law Enforcement Act of 1994
amended the National Child Protection Act and directed the Attorney General to "develop
guidelines for the adoption of appropriate safeguards by care providers and by states for
protecting children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities from abuse." With the release of
these guidelines, we are taking a step forward in providing this vulnerable population with
additional protection from abuse by those responsible for their care. These guidelines present a
logical decision model to guide the screening decisions of individuals and organizations who hire
employees or recruit volunteers to work with and provide care to children, the elderly, or the
disabled.
The guidelines do not mandate criminal record checks for all care providers but do present advice
on establishing a policy that provides an appropriate level of screening based upon specific
situations. The suggested screening mechanisms may include the Federal Bureau of
Investigation's fingerprint based criminal records check, where warranted. The first step
presented in this decision model includes an assessment of "triggers" that pertain to the setting in
which the care is provided, the employee's or volunteer's level of contact with the individual
receiving care, and the vulnerability of the care receiver. The next step is weighing the
availability of information, the costs of the screening, and the human resources needed to carry
out the screening process. The third step is the analysis and selection of appropriate screening
practices that would be used in addition to "Basic Screening," which includes reference checks,
interviews, and a written application. These three steps lead employers and volunteer
organizations through a thoughtful process of evaluating the circumstances and establishing
appropriate screening measures for each care provider.
The guidelines were developed to help reduce the incidence of abuse by care providers.
However, the guidelines alone will not eliminate the problem. We, as the relative or friend of an
individual receiving care, must remain aware of the potential for abuse. Screening of care
providers does not remove our responsibility to talk to our children and family about what is and
is not acceptable behavior from care and service providers. Similarly, service organizations and
employers providing care have an ongoing responsibility to monitor those in contact with
vulnerable populations. While the use of these Guidelines is a necessary first step to ensure their
safety, we must remain vigilant at all times to ensure proper care.
Janet Reno
Attorney General
Interview
Four Steps to Selecting
Check References
a Child Care Provider
Make the Decision
Stay Involved
1. Interview Caregivers
Call First
Ask
Is there an opening for my child?
Do you provide transportation?
What hours and days are you open and
Do you provide meals (breakfast, lunch,
where are you located?
dinner, snacks)?
How much does care cost? Is financial
Do you have a license, accreditation, or
assistance available?
other certification?
How many children are in your care?
When can I come to visit?
What age groups do you serve?
Visit Next (Visit more than once, stay as long as you can!)
Look for
Responsive, nurturing, warm interactions
A variety of toys and learning materials,
between caregiver and children.
such as books, puzzles, blocks, and
Children who are happily involved in
climbing equipment, that your child will
daily activities and comfortable with their
find interesting and which will contribute
caregiver.
to their growth and development.
A clean, safe, and healthy indoor and
Children getting individual attention.
outdoor environment, especially
napping, eating and toileting areas.
Ask
Can I visit at any time?
Where do children nap? Do you know
How do you handle discipline?
that babies should go to sleep on their
What do you do if a child is sick?
backs?
What would you do in case of an
What training have you (and other
emergency?
staff/substitutes) had?
Are all children and staff required to be
May I see a copy of your license or other
immunized?
certification?
Do you have a substitute or back-up
May I have a list of parents (current and
caregiver?
former) who have used your care?
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
of
DISARTMENT
Administration for Children and Families
Child Care Bureau
2. Check References
Ask other parents
Was the caregiver reliable on a daily
Was the caregiver respectful of your
basis?
values and culture?
How did the caregiver discipline your
Would you recommend the caregiver
child?
without reservation?
Did your child enjoy the child care
If your child is no longer with the
experience?
caregiver, why did you leave?
How did the caregiver respond to you as
a parent?
Ask the local child care resource and referral program or licensing office
What regulations should child care providers meet in my area?
Is there a record of complaints about the child care provider I am considering and how do I find
out about it?
3. Make the Decision for Quality Care
From what you heard and saw, ask yourself
Which child care should I choose so that
Is the child care available and affordable
my child will be happy and grow?
according to my family's needs and
Which caregiver can meet the special
resources?
needs of my child?
Do I feel good about my decision?
Are the caregiver's values compatible
with my family's values?
4. Stay Involved
Ask yourself
How can I arrange my schedule so that I
How can I work with my caregiver to
can
resolve issues and concerns that may
- talk to my caregiver every day?
arise?
- talk to my child every day about how
How do I keep informed about my child's
the day went?
growth and development while in care?
- visit and observe my child in care at
How can I promote good working
different times of the day?
conditions for my child care provider?
- be involved in my child's activities?
How can I network with other parents?
These steps are only the beginning. Gather as much information as possible to help you find the
best care for your child. To find the Child Care Resource and Referral Program nearest you, call
Child Care Aware: (800) 424-2246. For more complete guidelines on health and safety in child
care, call the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care: (800) 598-KIDS (5437).
Talking It Over
By Hillary Rodham Clinton
Bankruptcy shouldn't let
parents off the hook
debt-free.
O
ver the past weeks, I've
learned about proposed
The aspects of the House bill
bankruptcy-reform leg-
that concern me would elevate
islation in the House of
certain types of credit card debt
Representatives that could under-
to the same high priority as taxes,
mine the ability of some parents
school loans and family support.
to collect child support. I have no
The challenge for Congress is to
quarrel with responsible bank-
pass a law that is balanced and
ruptcy reform, but I do quarrel
fair to both the creditor and the
with aspects of the bill that would
debtor - protecting families and
the central
force single parents to compete
children while reducing abuse of
issue at
for their child support payments
the bankruptcy laws.
stake
with hig banks trying to collect
The challenge for our economy
credit card debt. The welfare of
is to preserve access to credit
our children must come first.
while making sure that eligible
Let me tell you about a hypo-
consumers are educated, respon-
thetical family: Jan and Simon
sible and protected from unscru-
have three children, ages 1, 3 and
pulous practices. It wasn't too
5. Simon is the manager of a
long ago that large segments of
small shoe store with an annual
our society were denied credit. At
salary of $33,000. Jan is a full-
the time, it was important to pro-
time homemaker.
vide people with this valuable
Sadly, they divorce, and Simon
economic tool, but now, as we all
agrees to pay child support. Un-
know, credit is readily available.
fortunately, within a year, he's in-
How many times in the past
volved in a serious car accident
few months has your phone rung
and loses his job. Jan, struggling
during dinner? You excuse your-
to raise their three children, stops
self, leave the table and pick up
receiving child support checks.
the receiver, only to be greeted by
Unable to find work, and behind
a cheery voice on the other end of
on his bills, Simon files for bank-
the line.happily offering you a
single parents shdut
ruptcy protection. Jan is just one
"pre-approved credit card." Or
of his creditors.
how many times have you seen or
be inst
Under current bankruptcy law,
heard advertisements encourag-
Simon is obligated to pay his
ing people with bad credit to bor-
another
row more?
The Washington Times
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1998
taxes, his student loans and his
creditor
child support and alimony. But
For many people in financial
under the legislation being con-
straits - for whatever reason —
sidered by the House, certain of
such offers may sound too good to
his credit card debts would also
be true. Unfortunately, down the
be mandatory. In Simon's case, as
line, too many people find they
parties vie in the fierce competi-
didn't comprehend how much
tion for limited funds, child sup-
they would owe and don't have
port payments and credit card
the means to repay the additional
obligations would be pitted
debt.
against each other.
The average bankruptcy filer
Unfortunately, Jan and Simon's
in this country earns less than
story is all too common. This year
$18,000 a year after taxes. And,
alone, 1.4 million families will file
now, credit card companies even
for protection from unmanage-
target college and high school
able consumer debt under our
students.
bankruptcy laws. This represents
Most people use their credit
an increase of about 400 percent
cards responsibly and pay their
since 1980. While some reform is
bills reliably. But, for many
in order, any accompanying
Americans like Jan and Simon
threat to child support and ali-
- the difference between fiscal
mony payments is not.
security and financial ruin is just
This administration has
one calamity away. A divorce, a
worked too long and too hard to
lost job, an accident or a child's
accomp.
improve child support collection
illness can rob a family of its fi-
to see it now threatened. The
nancial security and eventually
president has cracked down on
lead to bankruptcy court.
nonpaying parents and strength-
As members of Congress grap-
ened enforcement. Since 1992,
ple with bankruptcy reform, they
collections are up 68 percent.
must deal with the problems that
Today, families that file under
face both creditors and debtors.
Chapter 7 are relieved of certain
But one issue is clear. Any effort
debts, but as in Simon's case, they
to reform the bankruptcy system
must still repay others, including
must protect the obligations of
taxes, educational loans and fam-
parents to support their children.
ily and child support obligations.
To find out more about Hillary
Many also try to continue making
Rodham Clinton and read her
home mortgage and car pay-
past columns, visit the Creators
ments. They leave court relieved
Syndicate World Wide Web page
of some debt but certainly not
(www.creators.com).
Pentagon asks Gulf cuts for morale, cost
that allows him to dictate what we
By Rowan Scarborough
do," said a senior military officer.
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
"We're going to make it absolutely
The Pentagon wants to signifi-
clear we're not going to react to his
cantly reduce ground and air
every whim."
forces in the Persian Gulf by mid-
The administration is discuss-
summer and will submit options
ing the option of coupling a with-
later this month to President Clin-
drawal to precrisis levels with
ton, senior military officers said
heightened U.S. warnings that de-
yesterday.
fiance of U.N. weapons inspections
With Gulf tensions receding,
would bring military strikes.
one officer said the Defense De-
Another consideration is the
partment may ask to shrink force
weather: The region's intense sum-
levels from the 38,000 troops to
20,000 and one aircraft carrier -
ronment for soldiers housed in
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1998
The Washington Times
mer heat is an unhospitable envi-
the Gulf deployment before Sad-
tents in Kuwait.
dam Hussein began defying Unit-
"Most of our troops stationed in
ed Nations inspectors seven
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are in
months ago.
tents," a military spokesman said:
Meanwhile, six senators yester-
day put pressure on the White
John Hillen, a former Army of
House to scale back, saying the in-
ficer and analyst at the Council on
creased deployment was draining
Foreign Relations, said the admin-
istration is mistaken if it believes it
defense dollars and morale.
Sen. Ted Stevens
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison
can influence Saddam's behavior
"Clearly, I think it's time for us
to reduce the deployment in the
without robust military forces.
Persian Gulf and get it down to the
precrisis levels."
more and more of our men and
"It will be difficult to deter Sad-
point where people do not have to
One of two carriers in the Gulf,
women in uniform, and they have
dam on the cheap. I don't know
go back," said Sen. Ted Stevens,
the USS Independence, is due to
longer deployments, we're going to
what model they're going to use,"
Alaska Republican and chairman
leave the region at month's end.
have to work harder to make sure
Mr. Hillen said. "There's no free
of the Senate Appropriations sub-
Defense Secretary William S. Co-
they get adequate support."
lunch. You have to be excessively
committee on defense. "I think this
hen on Tuesday ordered a possible
A senior military officer said
creative to not wear out our forces
repeated deployment to the same
replacement carrier, the USS
planners want a new Iraq policy
by keeping them in the Persian
locale under the same conditions
Dwight D. Eisenhower, to depart
that doesn't involve the costly,
Gulf, but at the same time to keep
- they cannot go off the bases,
the United States on June 10, as
morale-draining deployment of
enough there to deter Saddam."
there's no towns for them to visit.
planned. The scheduling raises the
troops everytime Saddam acts up.
A senior officer at the Pentagon
They really are very confined.
prospect of leaving one carrier in
With Saddam less bellicose in
said the United States "lost the
And that's leading to a long-term
the region as the first stage of a
recent months, the administration
propaganda war" in the latest cri-
loss of morale."
troop downturn.
has sent signals it was considering
sis with Saddam. Fewer nations
-Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison,
At the White House, Mr. Clinton
a drawdown.
now back continued economic
Texas Republican and a member of
told reporters, "Secretary Cohen
The administration's dilemma is
sanctions as a lever to force Iraq to
the Senate Armed Services Com-
has not recommended a final de-
cost VS. iron-fisted diplomacy
reveal its prohibited weapons of
mittee, said: "I would describe the
cision to me on this, and I have
The buildup is projected to re-
mass destruction.
morale in the desert as adequate.
certainly not made one, and we've
quire $1.3 billion this year in extra
"Saddam seems to gauge our
There are very severe problems in
done our best to keep all of our,
defense spending. But withdraw-
threshold for tolerance, and he op:
that regard, and there's no ques-
options open."
ing forces could wrongly signal
erates underneath that threshold,"
tion we're going to have to go
On the morale issue, the pres-
Saddam that he again is free to
Mr. Hillen said. "He operates at
through some kind of a deploy-
ident said, "One of the things I rec-
defy U.N. weapons inspectors.
just under the threshold where we
ment reduction here back to the
ognize is that as-we ask more and
"We've got to get out of the mode
would knock the crap out of him."
05/05/98 TUE 11:59 FAX
002
MOTHER'S DAY, 1998
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Mothers are the heart of our families and the soul of
our society. They are the givers and nurturers of life, our
teachers, confidants, counselors, and lifelong friends. They
believe in our dreams and help us to achieve them. From the
moment our mothers first take us into their arms, we are blessed
with their love and with the gift of knowing that we matter.
As our first and best teachers, our mothers help us to
develop the values, self-esteem, strength of character, and
generosity of spirit we need to embrace the wider world beyond
the family. We, in turn, will pass on to a new generation these
vital lessons of love and responsibility. And so there are no
boundaries to a mother's love and no way of adequately measuring
her influence.
While the special love between mother and child is
unchanging, the challenges of motherhood are not. The role of
women in our society has grown and altered dramatically during
the past century. Millions of American women today pursue
full-time careers in addition to carrying out their duties as
parents, balancing family, job, and community responsibilities.
Doesn
But, whether they stay home with their children or become
working mothers, whether they are biological, adoptive, foster,
seem
a
or step parents, mothers today care for their families and meet
bit
obvidus
'the new demands of our complex society with strength, courage,
and quiet selflessness. On Mother's Day, as we reach out to
embrace our mothers in person or only in memory, let us
strengthen the timeless bond between us and acknowledge the
many gifts with which they have graced our lives.
05/05/98 TUE 11:59 FAX
003
2
The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 8, 1914
(38 Stat. 770), has designated the second Sunday in May each
year as "Mother's Day" and requested the President to call for
its appropriate observance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 10, 1998, as
Mother's Day. I urge all Americans to express their deep love
and respect for their mothers and to remember how much they have
contributed to our lives and the well-being of our country. I
also call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate
programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
day of
,
in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-second.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
for Moms - all mores (whether
Jeff As I mentioned on your vorcument) the
they work or not), and the
"announcements" should he
radio address is on to child care -
background altached. An additional
secondary to a strong message
icrue is bankruptay reformand its
on The need for action on
child care, & to give mores
potential adverse correquences
for single mores & children
greate peace of mind (best
b/o of weakening child support
Kmiff to a meetay
collection. Rahm (Ann, etc
want a story Paragraph on
sift for Mothers Day).
that for (backgonad attached -
HRC wrole her column on this usine).
I'll check :- when I
den & I Munh this should be
refurn from meeting C. 1030)
a primarily values origined
Nowie
address, with lots of proise of