“Michigan’s Big Show” interviews National Parents Organization’s Linda Wright on Michigan’s Shared Parenting Bill
Category: NPO in the media
A watershed moment in children’s welfare occurred in Boston two weeks ago. Remarkably, that moment had much to do with an important moment in Nebraska just two weeks earlier. Both moments are important for Fathers’ Day.
There is more that can be done about the opioid crisis in Massachusetts that is effective, non-punitive and free to the taxpayer. Governor Charlie Baker’s commendable leadership on this surging problem has resulted in the passage of legislation strengthening prescribing laws and increasing education. This is important. But a powerful opportunity has so far been overlooked.
A clue is to be found in federal statistics: 75 percent of children in chemical abuse centers have been raised by single parents. This is no criticism of single parents who are trying hard, but strongly suggests that parenting arrangements do matter. Abundant research confirms this hunch. While out-of-wedlock births and separation and divorce of parents are likely to continue at high rates, the research shows that shared parenting when parents are apart is associated with lower drug abuse rates, as well as many other improvements for children.
Shared parenting is an arrangement in which the children of parents living apart spend at least 35% of the time with each parent, and as close to equal time as possible; it is not appropriate unless both parents are fit and there has been no significant domestic violence.
There is more that can be done about the opioid crisis in Massachusetts that is effective, non-punitive and free to the taxpayer. Governor Charlie Baker’s commendable leadership on this surging problem has resulted in the passage of legislation strengthening prescribing laws and increasing education. This is important. But a powerful opportunity has so far been overlooked.
A clue is to be found in federal statistics: 75 percent of children in chemical abuse centers have been raised by single parents. This is no criticism of single parents who are trying hard, but strongly suggests that parenting arrangements do matter. Abundant research confirms this hunch. While out-of-wedlock births and separation and divorce of parents are likely to continue at high rates, the research shows that shared parenting when parents are apart is associated with lower drug abuse rates, as well as many other improvements for children.
Shared parenting is an arrangement in which the children of parents living apart spend at least 35% of the time with each parent, and as close to equal time as possible; it is not appropriate unless both parents are fit and there has been no significant domestic violence.
This solution requires only a small change in the custody laws. In fact, the Massachusetts House passed such a law last year, but the Senate took no action before adjourning for the year. The reformed custody bill was written by a blue-ribbon Working Group previously appointed by Governor Deval Patrick on which I was honored to serve. Prospects for the bill this year are uncertain. Opposition from the politically powerful bar associations, whose members profit from unnecessary custody battles, remains a major factor.
If only the family courts could be as grateful as therapists and doctors are for dads who share parenting duties, said Dr. Ned Holstein, founder of the National Parents Organization (NPO). Holstein is referring to what some have called ”father bias,” or the age-old tendency of judges to grant mothers sole custody of children after divorce.
Holstein has spent the last 20 years advocating for shared parenting. But the courts continue to push back. ”In two decades, custody statistics have barely budged. More often, moms get sole custody,” Holstein told us in a recent interview. His NPO continues to fight so children of divorce can have the love and nurturing of both parents.
Scholars from around the world are expected to gather in Boston to present research results on how shared parenting after divorce or separation affects children.
The International Conference on Shared Parenting will be held Monday and Tuesday at the Westin Copley Place Hotel in downtown Boston. The National Parents Organization and the European-based International Council on Shared Parenting will serve as hosts.
Find more
Scholars from around the world are expected to gather in Boston to present research results on how shared parenting after divorce or separation affects children.
The International Conference on Shared Parenting will be held Monday and Tuesday at the Westin Copley Place Hotel in downtown Boston. The National Parents Organization and the European-based International Council on Shared Parenting will serve as hosts.
Find more
Scholars from around the world are expected to gather in Boston to present research results on how shared parenting after divorce or separation affects children.
The International Conference on Shared Parenting will be held Monday and Tuesday at the Westin Copley Place Hotel in downtown Boston. The National Parents Organization and the European-based International Council on Shared Parenting will serve as hosts.
Find more
Scholars from around the world are expected to gather in Boston to present research results on how shared parenting after divorce or separation affects children.
The International Conference on Shared Parenting will be held Monday and Tuesday at the Westin Copley Place Hotel in downtown Boston. The National Parents Organization and the European-based International Council on Shared Parenting will serve as hosts.
Find more
Scholars from around the world are expected to gather in Boston to present research results on how shared parenting after divorce or separation affects children.
The International Conference on Shared Parenting will be held Monday and Tuesday at the Westin Copley Place Hotel in downtown Boston. The National Parents Organization and the European-based International Council on Shared Parenting will serve as hosts.
Find more