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Whether he was abandoned by their Children or Family

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'Be sensitive, pay attention to elderly to curb crimes against senior citizens'

Apr 14, 2012 - K.A. Dodhiya

Concerned with the rise in crime against senior citizens in the city, the Maharashtra United Nations Association (Muna) has exhorted Mumbaikars to take care of their aged. In an event organised on World Health Organization’s International Day of the Old that was observed on April 7, Muna officials said that while there is already a law for the welfare of the aged, they would request the government to strengthen it to ensure the safety of the old.

MUNA general secretary A.A. Sayed said ageing in India today is treated like a disease and families either abandon their old or mistreat them. “Indian culture has always taught that elders should be held in high esteem, but in today’s world, children treat their ageing parents like a burden. The elderly thus become easy victims of anti-social elements,” Mr Sayed said, adding that Mumbai sees at least one fatal crime against senior citizens every week.

Director, United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan, New Delhi, Kiran Mehra Kerpelman said the elderly also must take care of themselves. “Staying healthy is the best way to spend the twilight years. The aged should pay attention to their health even more after crossing 60,” she said.

Muna’s youth wing put up a play highlighting the current state of the aged in our society. “The play sends out a message that the laws for the welfare of the elderly need to be implemented strictly. We will write to the governor and the state government on this,” said advocate Ashraf Ahmed, president, Muna youth wing.

Post by: http://www.asianage.com/mumbai/be-sensitive-pay-attention-elderly-curb-crimes-against-senior-citizens-865

What You Should Know When Raising Step Children

Tips for Raising Step Children

A lot more marriages today include one or more partners who have children from a former relationship. This has always been the case throughout history, but its happening with more frequency in todays world. And there will be specific obstacles that you must surmount along the way. Were going to present to you some pointers in this article to help make your role as a stepparent rewarding.

You need to stress to your new stepchildren that in no way are you going to try to replace their bio parent. If your stepchildren arent old enough to even consider this issue, then it can be put aside for the moment. Be very careful not to begin your new life with your step-kids by acting like their “parent.” They wont like it and it will take longer for them to accept you. Its important that you and your stepchildren are friends, but they must also respect your relationship with your new spouse, in particular when it comes to the area of discipline. There is a fine line between being seen as an authority figure in the lives of your stepchildren and being regarded as a friend. It wont happen overnight, but it will happen. Participating in the role of a new stepparent is a very hard job, one that requires a great deal of energy and perseverance. If it becomes too overwhelming, support groups are available for those in need. With the advent of the Internet, hooking up with people with similar issues has never been easier. Your new partner can be helpful, but he or she can only do so much to help you adjust as a step parent. It is important to make friends with those that have similar problems and allow them to help you in your times of need. Some areas have colleges that offer courses that can help with certain parenting issues.

You will have to be very tactful when any discussion about their biological parent comes up. This is even the case if the original parent has died. He or she will still have a place in your stepchilds heart. Matters can really become complicated if your new spouse has been through a divorce and he or she has inconsistent feelings towards the former spouse. Even if the stepchildren were abused or abandoned by their natural parent, you must stay neutral at the very least. Even if you have your own opinions about your stepchilds natural mother or father, you dont want to do anything to sully their reputation in the eyes of your stepchild. You need to keep in mind that the natural parent is (or was) the biological parent of your stepchild.

As weve seen in this article, there are many aspects to being a step parent, and things dont always go as smoothly as youd like. Forming a new family can be exciting and fulfilling, but it also has its challenges, and you and your step children need some time to get accustomed to each other. The acceptance by your step children will come over time; allow enough time to pass and you will, eventually, be an accepted member of their family.

Post by: http://digg3.com/what-you-should-know-when-raising-step-children/

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Bill seeks imprisonment for 'parent abandonment'

By Shielo Mendoza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom – Wed, Mar 28, 2012

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/bill-seeks-imprisonment-for--parent-abadonment-.html

Looking after your parents or other elders in the family may no longer be just a moral obligation.

This, as Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Godofredo Arquiza filed a bill seeking special protection for parents should they be abandones by their own children.

“Many children nowadays, after having been reared, loved, nurtured and sent to school by their parents, have totally abandoned their parents for selfish reasons,” Arquiza lamented.

House Bill No. 2295 or the “The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents, Senior Citizens and Elderly Act” will guarantee the economic stability of parents, senior citizens and the elderly, the lawmaker said.

If the bill is passed, a parent or senior citizen or elderly can file an application for financial support against his children or grandchildren or other relatives within the fourth degree of consanguinity.

“The obligation of the children or grandchildren to maintain his or her parent or grandparent extends to the needs for food, clothing, medical attendance and treatment,” the bill stated.

The measure also provided that the child or grandchild who refused to accept their parent or grandparent in their home despite having the financial capacity to do so could be imprisoned from six months to six years.

Meanwhile, neglected parents, grandparent or elderly may apply for financial support in the Family Court where he is residing. The Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units will then provide the victims' temporary shelters, counseling, rehabilitation programs and livelihood assistance. The Department of Health should also provide medical assistance.

DSWD already expressed its support for Arquiza’s bill and has submitted recommendations to enhance the measure.

“The moral duty to maintain parents is recognized by the conservative Filipino people. Every effort shall be exerted to protect their welfare so they may live peacefully in the remaining years of their life,” Arquiza said.

Information to Empower Filipinos

DSWD supports bill protecting parents, senior citizens from abuse

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1561333084686 

Friday 30th of March 2012

DAVAO CITY, March 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) supports the bill which calls for the special protection and security to parents, senior citizens and the elderly from economic abuse and financial hardships caused by children and grandchildren who have neglected and abandoned them.

House Bill No. 2295 or the "The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents, Senior Citizens, and Elderly Act of 2010” was filed by Party-List Congressman Godofredo V. Arquiza.

Congressman Arquiza is the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee of Social Services and Veterans Affairs and Welfare in the House of Representatives.

The DSWD said that it has submitted its recommendations to the Committee on Population and Family Relations to further enhance the bill.

DSWD recommendations include provision of a case management of families involved by social workers to assess the relationships and capabilities of the individuals before the filing of cases.

The DSWD also recommended that the Public Attorney’s Office provide legal services on court-related complaints that will be filed by the elderly and the senior citizens.

Further, the DSWD wants to include a provision on those who may file for support in behalf of the parent or the elderly/senior citizen such as: DSWD and local social workers or at least two concerned responsible persons of the city or municipality where the parent or elderly/senior citizen who is in need of support resides.

The bill emphasized that many children nowadays, after having been reared, loved, nurtured and sent to school by their parents, have totally abandoned their parents for selfish reasons. (DSWD-Social Marketing Service/PIA 10)

[ Department of Social Welfare and Development ]