Coalition for the Restoration of Parental Rights *******
IOWA CHAPTER
Grandkids' visitation raises concerns
Des Moines Register - April 3, 2000
By Katie Hettinger
A battle is being waged between parents who wish to raise their children independently and grandparents who want their right to visitation restored.
Lois and Joe Santi have already been to court to petition for visitation rights with a granddaughter. Now they have formed a group of concerned grandparents, many who have also lost the right to visit their grandchildren. More than 40 people met Sunday afternoon at Drake University to discuss the issue.
Their efforts are not without criticism - particularly from the Santis' own children. Heather and Mike Santi and Mike's sister, Sharon Gillette, have severed the relationship between their children and the elder Santis.
In a January court decision, a Polk County judge ruled that Heather and Mike Santi could prevent Joe and Lois Santi from visiting 4-year-old Taylor.
Gillette also has two children, ages 5 and 7, who do not see Joe and Lois. But Gillette says her parents have never talked about that as publicly as they discuss their relationship with Taylor.
"(Lois) doesn't tell anyone she has three grandchildren," Gillette said. She said that, like Heather and Mike Santi, she tried to establish a healthy relationship with her parents through counseling before severing their contact with her children.
Gillette's children and Taylor Santi have contact with their other grandparents, they said.
Joe Santi said he and his wife have not made an issue of this because they did not feel they could prove they had a substantial relationship with Gillette's children, a stipulation in state law to establish a right to visitation.
"It was a losing battle," Joe said. But he said that if the law were to change, they would fight for their right to see Gillette's children as well.
Heather Santi said the issue of grandparents' rights versus parents' rights is unfortunate because it detracts from the parents' ability to raise their own children.
Lois Santi said in her case, the parents trying to establish their role is harming the entire family.
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