BOND DISCUSSES FAMILY LEGISLATION TODAY

U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond is expected to attend this morning's meeting of Division of Family Services (DFS) and Cape Girardeau Caring Commission officials to discuss Family and Medical leave legislation.

The meeting is being held at the River Room at Drury Lodge. Bond is expected to speak at 9:15 a.m.

Family Leave legislation would provide 12 weeks of unpaid leave for a birth or adoption of a child or the serious illness of an employee or employee's family member.

Bond supports the legislation. "The problems facing society today stem largely from the weakening of families in America," the senator said in a prepared statement. "Society needs to strengthen families by reinforcing the bond and sense of responsibility between parents and children. This legislation would."

Dennis Reagan, with the Division of Family Services of Cape Girardeau County, said the organization plans to announce the expansion of the state's Family Preservation Program.

The program provide intense family-centered services designed to avoid separation of children and parents, Reagan said. The DFS estimates there are approximately 12,000 children removed from their parent's homes each year in Missouri.

"The cost of having a child removed from the home can become very expensive," Reagan said. "And separation from the family is not always in the best interest of the child. Separating them from their families can create additional problems."

Reagan said counseling provided by the Family Preservation Program often allows the family to function more effectively when future problems erupt.

Barb Mayfield, regional supervisor of the program, is will present information about Family Preservation at today's meeting.