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 Some groups have said that shared parenting won't become a reality until hell freezes over. It seems that while others are focused on global warming, shared parenting groups have seen that hell has in fact begun to freeze over. 2007 has brought together many new initiatives in state legislatures, new shared parenting organizations, and initiatives to start to protect children from the devestating effect of courts that rip their from the arms of one parent, and from state laws that are more concerned about their Title IV-D revenue stream then the health and welfare of children.
One doesn't have to look far to find a story about a parent being denied visitation, or of a custodial parent moving away to keep a child from having a meaningful relationship, or worse yet, false accusations of abuse to keep a parent from being able to parent their own child. What is good to see is that small town America is fighting back. Just last week, in Medford, Oregon, there was a rally at their small courthouse. A mediator in the courthouse came and to speak with some of the protesters to let them know he was interested in getting Non-custodial parents and the courts together to find a way to bring the both parents back into the lives of their children. In Washington State, the first piece of legislation in 20 years that benefits non-custodial parents was passed. The new law essentially removes the right of one parent to keep shared parenting from happening because they weren't interested in it. Now, if shared parenting is in the best interest of the child, a judge can order it without the approval of both parents. Now, if they will do it is a different subject, but we hope these Judges and Commissioners will look beyond the Title IV-D funding they receive and use their black robes to protect the citizens they have been elected to protect. And this great story out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama of a father of two young girls who has started his own organizaiton and protests at the local courthouse to get changes to custody plans, child support, and enforcement of visitation. We have heard of at least 4 new organization in the US in 2007 for this same reason. Yes, 2007 is the year for grass roots endeavors to turn this insanity around, and protect the children of our nation from the devestating life that awaits them as a result of not having both parents in their lives. 30 year old Steven Kneussle organized a rally in front of his courthouse, which attracted other concerned parents and grandparents, and helped to grow this tiny organization into a new force for the courts to reckon with. It's Steves determination, and the determination of other fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers, step moms and dads and extended family that will bring about the change we need. ProtectFathersRights.org is a shining example of what one determined parent and a supportive community can develop in a very short time. Best of luck to you Steve, we support you all the way! If you have an interest in getting an organizaiton in your area, let us know. We will help you understand what is needed and how you can get it done. We look forward to watching your new group form, grow and bring about change for your community. |
