April 25, 2019
First Governor in the Nation to Sign a Shared Parenting Law Makes History Again with Proclamation Recognizing Kids’ Rights to Have Equal Time with Both Parents after Separation or Divorce
FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY, April 25, 2019 – It is almost one year to the day when Kentucky legislators made history by unanimously passing the HB528, the country’s first shared parenting law, allowing children to benefit fully from having an involved mother and father in their life. Now Governor Bevin has shown even greater support for Kentucky’s families by proclaiming April 26 “Shared Parenting Day,” from now into perpetuity.
“Thanks to our state legislators and Governor Bevin, Kentucky leads the nation in protecting children’s best interests,” said Matt Hale, Chair of National Parents Organization in Kentucky, who initiated and drove last year’s legislation, which was the most popular law passed last year. “The popularity of the shared parenting law passed last year has led to this proclamation, which ensures that April 26 will long be celebrated as the day our children were guaranteed the love and involvement of both parents after divorce or separation.”
A new national survey shows Americans overwhelmingly support shared parenting – yet Kentucky is the only state that has made it law. The vast majority of respondents (86%) would agree that both parents should have equal access to their children and shared responsibility after divorce. A full 86% also believe a child’s health and well-being are better met when both fit and willing parents are equally involved and share responsibility. Deep research confirms that’s the case: according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Census Bureau, children raised by single parents account for:
- 63% of teen suicides;
- 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions;
- 71% of high school drop-outs;
- 75% of children in chemical abuse centers;
- 85% of those in prison;
- 85% of children who exhibit behavioral disorders; and
- 90% of homeless and runaway children.
“I couldn’t be prouder to come from Kentucky – the state that recognizes and celebrates that children deserve to have both parents active in their lives. Our lawmakers became role models for the rest of the nation the day they aligned state laws with research, common sense and justice about what children want and need. April 26 will forever mark that day, and we hope it will inspire other states across the nation to fight for shared parenting,” said Hale.
For more information on National Parents Organization and shared parenting, visit www.nationalparentsorganization.org.