Courtesy photo Magistrate Karen Oakley stands with PRC Executive Director Tamma Plymesser.

The Grandparents As Parents support group will meet 7 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Pregnancy Resource Center – A Place of Hope. The PRC is located 852 Mt. Orab Pike, Ste. B in Georgetown.

GAP is a support group for Grandparents and others who are parenting children other than their own, standing in the gap for parents who cannot do so for whatever reason. This month’s speaker is a parenting- grandparent of twins. Come and hear of her experiences through her 10 years of standing in the gap.

Last month’s guest speaker was Magistrate Karen Oakley, of the Brown County Juvenile Court. Magistrate Oakley gave a brief description of her background which included the positions of Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Guardian ad Litem as well as being a foster child herself. She is from a family which included seven foster children, three biological children, and 45 foster children who came through her Mom’s care in her lifetime. She described herself as “pro-family,” “pro-child,” and a “public servant” with a passion for children. She explained that the court system is “no-fault” and not a court of blame, because the focus is not on the parents but on the welfare of the child and what will benefit that child in the long run. The goal of Children’s Services is to help children, Oakley said, and that Grandparents with questions and needs should contact these agencies to access services when needed.

Julie Steddom, of Steddom Law Office and founder of GAP, tells grandparents to “go in person” and ask for a specific person when seeking assistance.

Anyone who is parenting children other than their own is welcome to attend. Questions concerning GAP may be directed to the PRC at 937-378-6853.