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City of Seattle

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NOTE: This news release has been retained for historical use ONLY!  While the text was accurate at the date of the release, the contact information may be out of date.

NEWS ADVISORY

SUBJECT: Child Care In The Face Of Welfare Reform: Who’s minding the children?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
11/24/1998  

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Diane Piña (206) 684-0549

Child Care In The Face Of Welfare Reform: Who’s minding the children?

A public forum with state and local officials, "Child Care and Welfare Reform: Who’s minding the children?" is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 2, 1998, at Seattle City Council Chambers, on the 11^th floor of the Municipal Building, 4^th Avenue and Cherry Street. The Forum will last from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

Providing a solid foundation and education for our children is among our city’s top priorities; yet the availability, quality, and costs of child care - especially for low-income families and families below poverty level - are becoming ever so unattainable and not adequately addressed. Sponsored by the Seattle Women’s Commission, this forum is intended to bring more attention to child care problems and to call for workable solutions.

Mayor Paul Schell, Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck, State Senator Jeanne Kohl, and State Representative Kip Tokuda are among policy makers who will participate in a roundtable discussion. WorkFirst parents with concerns about accessibility, quality, and high cost of care for their children will make statements.

"Parents who are going from welfare to work are really in a bind about child care," said Commissioner Janice Jackson of the Seattle Women’s Commission. "Only 59% of all child care providers accept the subsidy program offered by state and local agencies; choices are therefore limited. There are consistent concerns about health and safety standards, and hours of operation. Often times it’s problems with child care that keep parents from working. This defeats the whole purpose of the new welfare law. We’ve heard about a lot of problems, and they need to be adequately addressed."

The Seattle Women’s Commission is a volunteer citizens board that advises the Mayor, the Seattle City Council, and all City departments on issues of concern to women.

For more information about the Commission or about this public forum, including a complete list of supporters and participants, please contact Diane Piña at (206) 684-0549 or via e-mail at: diane.pina@ci.seattle.wa.us

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Seattle Office For Civil Rights

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