Summer 2000 Vol. 15-No. 2 ISSN 1042-3559 Strengthening Families Assisting Children of Through Education Never-Married, And Advocacy Separated and Divorced Parents
The Quarterly Newsletter of the Children’s Rights Council, Inc. 300 “I” Street N.E., Suite 401, Washington, D.C. 20002-4389 Phone (202)547-6227
IN THIS ISSUE: Parent Education Seminars Required in Virginia Around the Country ...... 3 Seven States Honored for Murray Steinberg bilities, options for conflict resolution, and financial Helping Children ...... 4 Led Long Effort to Get responsibilities.” The law states that: CRC’s Two Websites .... 5 Virginia to Require • The charge for participation at such program Parenting Education for The CRC View ...... 6 shall be based on the party’s ability to pay, not Divorcing Parents to exceed $50. The court may grant an CRC Receives 3 Grants . 7 exemption from attendance at such program for What Kids Need ...... 7 All parents involved in a good cause. custody or visitation (access) • Other than statements or admissions by a party Equal Parents’ Week..... 8 disputes must attend parent education seminars admitting criminal activity or child abuse or in the state of Virginia, according to a new law neglect, no statement or admission by a party in CRC Training Session ... 8 passed by the legislature and signed by Gover- such seminar or program shall be admissible into Letters to the Editor ...... 9 nor Jim Gilmore (R). The law took effect July 1, evidence in any subsequent proceeding. 2000 for a two year trial period, after which the Murray Steinberg, head of the Family Resolution Congressional Update . 10 law must be reviewed. Council, a chapter of CRC in Richmond, Virginia, Family Facts ...... 11 The educational seminars are to be con- served on several committees established by the legis- ducted “by a qualified person or organization lature over a 4-year effort to get Virginia to require Combined Federal approved by the court, on the effects of separa- Campaign ...... 12 tion or divorce on children, parenting responsi- Continued on page 3 Non-Custodial Parents Quilt...... 14
Fathers Day Rally ...... 14 Please Plan on Attending
Books Videos, CRC’s 13th National Conference Buttons ...... 18–22 Holiday Inn Bethesda 11 CRC Interns ...... 23 (inside the Beltway) In the Courts ...... 24 May 4-6, 2001 Research ...... 27 Book Reviews ...... 28 Reception at the British Embassy Residence and Gardens National Affiliate to Benefit CRC Organizations and May 3, the evening before the conference Chapters ...... 30 “Speak Out for Children” is published by the Children’s Rights Council, Inc. Editor: David L. Levy. CRC is a member of Contributors to this issue: Al Ellis, Julie Maggiacomo, Paul Robinson, John Prior, Ken Skilling, and college student interns Carol Bailey, graduate of Washington State University; Tabitha Blackwell, Campbell Univer- sity; Amy Carnright, St Joseph’s University; Lisa Chavez, University of California at Santa Barbara; Joy Clavecillas, George Washington University; Melissa Dorris, University of Illinois Law School; Janee Gianotti, Air Force Academy; Mike Gilmore, University of California at Davis; Jennifer Randall, University of Notre Dame; Stephanie Shark, Temple University Law School; Connie Yang, University of Pennsylvania. Layout by Sheila Holzberger. The CRC The Children’s Rights Council emotional and financial child support. mission, provided the source (“Reprinted (CRC) is a nation-wide, non-profit IRS We work to strengthen fragile families from the Children’s Rights Council news- 501(c)(3) children’s rights organization of children whose parents are unwed. letter ‘Speak Out for Children,’ Summer based in Washington, D.C. CRC works We also favor school-based programs 2000") is given. For non-CRC material, to strengthen families through education for children at risk. obtain permission from the copyright and advocacy. We favor family forma- Formed in 1985 by concerned par- owner. For further information about tion and family preservation, but if fami- ents who have more than 40 years col- CRC membership, publications, cas- lies break up, or are never formed, we lective experience in custody reform and settes, catalog, and services, write: CRC, work to assure a child the frequent and early childhood education, CRC has 300 “I” Street N.E., Suite 401, Washing- continuing contact with two parents and chapters in 32 states, Washington, D.C. ton, D.C. 20002; phone (202) 547-6227; extended family the child would nor- and Africa, Asia and Europe. Two na- fax (202) 546-4CRC (4272). mally have during a marriage. Our motto tional organizations are affiliated with CRC has two websites: is “The Best Parent is Both Parents.” CRC: Mothers Without Custody (MW/ www.gocrc.comwww.gocrc.com (our main CRC site) and For the child’s benefit, CRC favors OC) and the Stepfamily Association of www.info4parents.comwww.info4parents.com (for expanded parenting education before marriage, America (SAA). parenting information). during marriage, and for parents who are Prominent professionals in the fields CRC’s email address: unwed or separated. We work to demili- of religion, law, social work, psychology, [email protected] Speak Out for Chil- tarize divorce between parents who are child care, education, business, and gov- dren is published four times a year and is involved in marital disputes, substituting ernment comprise our Advisory Panel. sent free to members. Library rate: $20.00 conciliation and mediation for the Material in this newsletter authored a year. Send letters, comments and ar- adversarial process, and providing for by CRC may be reprinted without per- ticles for publication to Editor, CRC.
OFFICERS AND BOARD PARENTING EDUCATION Hon. Sherwood Boehlert Jonathan M. Goodson, President MEMBERS SPOKESPERSON: U.S. Congressman (R-NY) Mark Goodson Productions David L. Levy, Esq. President Wes Unseld, Los Angeles, California John L. Bauserman, Jr., Chairman VP Washington Wizards Jim Cook, President Samuel A. Brunelli, CEO Member, NBA Hall of Fame Joint Custody Association Hon. Bob Graham Ingrid Bough-Bell Los Angeles, California U.S. Senator (D-FL) John L. Bauserman, Sr. NATIONAL SPOKESPERSONS Teresa L. Kaiser, J.D. Darryl Grant, Washington Redskins “Dear Abby” Jennifer Isham, President Judge Richard A. Waldron (ret’d) Superbowl XVII and XXII (Abigail Van Buren) Mothers Without Custody Lee Yarborough Champion Los Angeles, California (MW/OC) Dwight Twilley, Pop Singer/Author Crystal Lake, Illinois HONORARY PRESIDENT Karen DeCrow Catherine Meyer, author, EVALUATORS OF RESEARCH Former President of N.O.W. Joan B. Kelly, Ph.D. wife of the British John Guidubaldi, D.Ed. Jamesville, New York Executive Director Ambassador to the U.S. D. Richard Kuhn Northern California Mediation Elliott H. Diamond Center GENERAL COUNSEL FAMILY ADVISORY BOARD Co-Founder, CRC Michael L. Oddenino Chairman, Reston, Virginia Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D. Arcadia, California Clifton Alan Clark, Sr. Author, Psychiatrist former CRC Director of Phyllis Diller, Comedienne Scottsdale, Arizona DIR. OF CHILD ACCESS Development Los Angeles, California SERVICES Vicki Lansky, Author/Columnist Alfred Ellis ADVISORS Margorie Engel, president Deephaven, Minnesota Rabbi Mendel Abrams, M.Min Stepfamily Association of America OFFICE MANAGER Former President, Board of Rabbis James Levine, The Fatherhood Julie Maggiacomo, M.A. of Greater Washington, DC Warren Farrell, Ph.D., Author Project former Member of the Board of The Family and Work Institute DIRECTOR OF PARENTING Eloise Anderson Directors, New York City N.O.W. New York, New York EDUCATION PROGRAMS: The Claremont Institute Leucadia, California Elizabeth Hickey, M.S.W. Sacramento, California Hon. Debbie Stabenow Salt Lake City, Utah Larry Gaughan, Professional U.S. Congresswoman (D-MI) David Birney, Actor Director Santa Monica, California Family Mediation of Greater Hon. Fred Thompson Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator (R-TN)
Page 2 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 Around the Country Education Seminars Continued from page 1 Elian Back in Cuba: parenting education for separating and The Justice System Worked — Slowly divorcing parents. Steinberg drafted the bill after hear- CRC sums up some observations about 6-year-old ing of Elizabeth Hickey’s parenting edu- Elian Gonzalez. cation work in Utah. Steinberg said Vir- • The U.S. justice system worked, albeit slowly. It took ginia Delegate Jack Reid of Henrico seven months for the system to decide finally that Elian County deserves major credit for spon- belonged with his dad, but it was a correct decision, soring the bill over a several year period according to INS rules. until it became law. • Even if the INS had been judged incorrect in its Virginia is believed to be the fourth handling of the case, U.S. law—the PKPA (Parental state to require parenting education of Kidnapping Prevention Act), the UCCJA (Uniform Child all separating parents. Utah was the first Elian Custody Jurisdiction Act)—and the International Hague state, and Connecticut and New Hamp- Convention, also require that a child be returned to the “home state” or shire the second and third states. Other “country of habitual residence” of the child. jurisdictions may mandate attendance by • Like many Americans, we wished Juan Miguel Gonzalez would have local court order or have informal atten- defected to the U.S., but if he didn’t, he was legally entitled to return his dance policies determined on a case-by- child to Cuba. case basis. CRC officers appeared more than 30 times on radio, TV and in print This is according to a study by media discussing the Elian Gonzalez case, and CRC President David L. Levy Margie Geasler and Karen Blaisure of was quoted in a Time magazine cover story on Elian in May. Western Michigan University, After the family returned to Cuba, David L. Levy fielded questions from a Kalamazoo, who did a nationwide study Cuban-American representative on a radio program. The representative con- of parenting education programs. In tinued to restate the often quoted arguments regarding why Elian had not Utah, the state program was started by received fair treatment in the courts. With an eye toward the future, Levy Elizabeth Hickey, who trained all the asked how the Cuban and Miami sides of the family could now work towards original parenting education directors. reconciliation. “We have now established a new Would it help if the Cuban-American community focused on ways to see organization called PEN, the Parent the boy, rather than on attacking Castro? Education Network, to assure compli- CRC understands that Elian’s father, Juan Miguel Gonzales, and Lazaro ance with the new law.” Gonzales, the boy’s great uncle, talked on the phone before Juan Miguel and Murray can be reached at Elian returned to Cuba. [email protected] Dr. Audrey Weiss, a family and child counselor in New York City who is a CRC spokesperson, said it would be beneficial to the boy to have contact with his Miami relatives. “Contact would help because of the bonding that took place in Miami Ask your between Elian and his cousins,” she said. Alfred Ellis, CRC’s Director of Child Access Services said, “This was not state legislators a political issue or a control issue. It is a parenting issue. Elian lost one parent, to pass a he deserves the right to be with his father, the surviving parent.” required parenting education bill Order CRC Book and Make Money! similar to what Order bulk copies (10 or more) of the still popular 1993 publication, The Best Parent is Both Parents, for only $4 a recently became copy. Resell the copies for the list price of $10 each, and make a profit for you or your organization! Individual copies are law in Virginia. $10.
Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 3 Seven States Honored For Helping Children and Families
Seven states, Montana, Kansas, The Best Connecticut, Wis- States for consin, California, Shared Oklahoma, and Parenting— Florida, were recog- Moore (l to r) CRC interns Carnright and Yang and Yoakum Montana, nized by the Representative Napolitano Kansas, Children’s Rights Council for outstand- Wisconsin, and ing efforts to keep both mothers and fa- Connecticut. thers in their children’s lives. The awards covered a range of California: Best Approach The number of physical joint custody services to help parents before mar- During Marriage and for awards per separating parents in those riage, during marriage and where Divorce states are: Montana: 55.4%, Kansas, parents are separated, divorced, or 53.3%, Wisconsin, 49.1% and Connecti- never-married. • The best state for marriage cut, 41.2%, according to the Census This was the first time such na- counseling during marriage—in Bureau. tional awards were given by CRC. A order to help parents keep their In addition, Montana, Kansas and press conference was held Wednes- marriage together if possible. Connecticut lead among states with the day, July 19, 2000, in the Hart Senate • Also best approach by requiring lowest divorce rate, which indicates to Office Building. mediation (called conciliation) for CRC that if parents know they will have Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) and all separating parents with minor to interact with the other parent through Representatives Bill McCollum (R-FL), children. shared parenting, there is less incentive Grace Napolitano (R-CA), and Dennis California has more marriage coun- to divorce. The Census Bureau reported Moore (D-KS) accepted the awards on selors per population that any other state, on this statistic for only 19 states; Wis- behalf of their states. Sarah Yoakum, a and has led the way among the states with consin was not reported. representative of Oklahoma Governor required mediation. Frank Keating, flew from Oklahoma to Note: CRC focused only on separa- accept the award on behalf of Governor Oklahoma: Most tion and divorce. But because of the se- Keating. Innovative Law in the rious problems children and families A reception followed the press con- Event of Separation face in separation and divorce, we have ference. The award categories were: come to realize that services need to be • Oklahoma’s Parenting Act for provided to assist people who wish to Florida: Most Innovative establishing shared parenting at marry, and to help them sustain their Laws Before Marriage the pendente lite (initial stage of marriages where possible. If divorce oc- litigation), before positions curs, or the parents are never-married, • Florida’s Marriage Preparation harden, and before litigation children must be assured of a meaning- and Preservation Act, which ensues. See Fall, 1999 “Speak Out ful relationship with both parents when- provides a discount on marriage for Children” for more details. ever possible. As the CRC motto says, licenses for couples planning to Greg Palumbo, Ph.D., executive di- “The Best Parent is Both Parents.” marry if they take a pre-marital rector of Oklahomans for Families Alli- counseling class; if they do not take ance, was a catalyst behind passage of A complete report on the selection the class, they must wait a 3 day the law. Palumbo credits Representatives of these states can be seen on our “cooling off” period before Bill Graves, Odilia Dank, and Russ websites: gocrc.comgocrc.com and marriage. Roach, along with Senators Owen info4parents.cominfo4parents.com Hard copies from • Divorcing couples with minor Laughlin and James Williamson, for CRC free to CRC members; $10 for children must take a 4 hour course playing key roles in passage of the new non-members for P/H. See complete on parenting education. law. report.
Page 4 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 Check Out CRC’s Two Websites
www.gocrc.com This is the main now have a “secure server” on this D.C. area for 15 years, for maintaining CRC organizational website. We thank website, which means you can order this website for all parents, but mainly CRC Evaluator of Research and Web books, join or renew in CRC, and regis- for never-married parents. This site is expert Rick Kuhn (yes, Rick wears two ter for the conference by credit card. supported by a grant from the Annie E. hats) for maintaining the gocrc website, www.info4parents.com We Casey Foundation (see home page for with the assistance of Serge Prengel and thank Lonnie Perrin, who was worked this site below). Bruce Kaskubar. Thanks to Rick, we with young parents in the metropolitan
Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 5 The CRC View by David L. Levy, J.D. President, CRC
Levy sus Bureau. But too many parents feel 60–64 = 10.1% pushed away and forced away from their 65 and over = 10.5%. Child Support Does children by the “divorce industry” that foists litigation and warfare upon parents not Reduce the Child who happen to get separated or divorce. Kids Need Emotional Poverty Rate Concerning poverty, the 1999 Cur- Support, Too rent Population Report (website In “The CRC View” (Spring, www.childstats.govwww.childstats.gov) stated that in 1997, After reviewing the reports from 2000 newsletter), I stated that the 19 percent of children lived in poverty. the various governmental and pri- original purpose of the child support The U.S. Census Bureau reported that vate organizations, it is clear that the collection system was to reduce child in 1998, the child poverty rate was be- child poverty rate has not experi- poverty, but the child poverty rate had low 20 percent, at 18.9 percent, for the enced any major declines. Since the not gone down in 20 years. first time since 1980. 1993 peak of 22.7 percent, the pov- A prominent federal official chal- Clearly, there are small discrepancies erty rate has only dropped 3.8 per- lenged that statement. between the statistics from the Current cent in five years. In 1959, the child I had said that reduction of pov- Population Report and the U.S. Census poverty rate was 27.3 percent. erty was cited by Sen. Russell Long Bureau. Deciphering which figures are The poverty rate continues to in 1980 as the reason for the federal the most accurate can be difficult when fluctuate, with the numerical ups take-over of the national child support separate organizations cling to different and downs akin to the roller coast- system. And one often sees the me- statistics. ers kids love to ride. But should dia stating that a reduction in child The biggest national network of food some kids have enough to eat, and poverty has either been achieved, or banks, Second Harvest, claims that the others not? Why shouldn’t all kids would be achieved, if only those aw- poverty rate for children under six years experience good emotional as well ful dads would pay their child sup- of age is growing extremely fast, though as good financial health? port. they do not give any figures. The sad truth is that the child I said that now, 20 years later, The Children’s Defense Fund re- poverty rate in America has re- despite financial child support collec- ported that in 1998, nearly half of chil- mained fairly consistent over the last tions having quadrupled because of a dren living in families headed by single twenty years. huge federal and state bureaucracy, women were poor, while only 9 percent The people who gave us the interception of tax returns, jailings, of children from married families were “divorce industry,” with its promise midnight arrests, posting of the “10 poor. that sole mother custody for the past Most Wanted” lists, booting of cars, A recent report by the USDA (U.S. 30 years would reduce poverty, were etc. the poverty rate of children re- Department of Agriculture) revealed that wrong. mains essentially unchanged. households headed by females were Many children from single par- And you know what? The facts in much more likely to experience hunger ent homes turn out fine, and single “The CRC View” were accurate. than husband-wife households. parents do all they can for their chil- The only way poverty would re- If that news isn’t bad enough, we dren. It’s just that children’s needs ally go down, I stated, was if govern- must keep in mind that the poverty rate are often different from adult needs. ment, the courts and legislatures end for children at 18.9 percent is still higher Kids need their moms and dads, the powerful grip of the “divorce in- than for any other age group. even if mom doesn’t like dad, or dustry” over family life, and encour- CRC legislative intern Carol Bailey dad doesn’t like mom. age and enforce children having fre- found that for 1998, the following pov- Let’s emphasize the two parent quent and continuing contact with erty rates applied: family, preferably in marriage, but both of their parents. Under Age 18 = 18.9% if not marriage, when the parents are The reason this would help is that 18–24 = 16.6% never-married, separated and di- parents who have contact with their 25–34 = 11.9% vorced. We will cut down on pov- children pay far more than parents 35–44 = 9.1% erty—financial as well as emotional, without such contact, says the Cen- 45–54 = 9.2% moral and spiritual.
Page 6 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 CRC Receives 3 Grants What Kids Need Talk to Me The CRC National Office has re- from “Talking with Kids about Tough Issues,” ceived three grants during the year 2000. from the National Initiative by Children Now and the Kaiser Family Fund They are: National Survey • a grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation to establish a website primarily for never- Parents, did you know that your 10 Tips married parents. It is kids want to talk to you about impor- www.info4parents.comwww.info4parents.com The tant issues? Kids ages 10-15 want to 1. Start early: Before the teenage Casey grant is also for CRC to know more about how to handle po- years kids turn to their parents. gauge the interest of members of tentially volatile situations, including Around the time of Junior the faith-based community to • if someone has a gun at school; High, they look elsewhere for operate a transfer center such as • how to know when you are ready answers. CRC operates in various states and to have sex; 2. Initiate conversations with your Washington, D.C.; • how to handle peer pressure in child: use simple, short words • CRC received a three-year renewal relation to drugs, sex, alcohol; and straightforward explana- for our Maryland access • what are STD’s and AIDS and tions. (visitation) grant for services to be how to protect against them and 3 …Even about sex and provided in Prince George’s pregnancy (including birth relationships. Remember, if County. CRC provides neutral control options); and you are uncomfortable talking transfer sites for children, a • drinking and driving. to your kids about these issues, Hotline for parents (301-552- Unfortunately, you do not have your kids will be 8400), a monthly support group much time to discuss these issues. If uncomfortable talking to you. meeting, and referral services for you wait until Junior High, it may be 4. Create an open environment. parenting education, parenting too late. 5. Communicate your values. plans, and mediation. We Many parents do not realize that by 6. Listen to your child: not all previously received this grant for age 10 (and in many cases earlier), important issues are signaled one year, but it has now been some kids are carrying weapons, hav- by ringing bells and whistles. renewed for three years; ing sex, sharing drugs, and drinking al- You must pay attention and • CRC received a grant for the third cohol. Obviously not all kids are doing really listen to what your kids year in a row from the this. But the pressure to “just try” one are saying. Washington, D.C. Superior Court of these things is very real and very scary 7. Try to be honest. to provide parenting services in the for your children. And if they do not 8. Be patient. nation’s capital. CRC provides a get answers from you, they will seek 9. Use everyday opportunities to Hotline (202-543-8400), referrals, them from someone else. talk. and services, including parenting For separated and divorced fami- 10. Talk about it again and again. classes, neutral drop-off for lies, the challenge to talk to kids be- children, and supervised access. comes even greater. Research shows A website that addresses these is- Many of these services are that children need to be able to talk with sues and helps parents help their chil- provided by CRC’s Washington, both parents. Therefore, parents need dren is www.talkingwithkids.orgwww.talkingwithkids.org CRC D.C. chapter headed by Frank to work together to instill similar val- has linked this and many other Banner. The D.C. Superior Court ues and ways to stay safe in potentially websites to our parenting website at administers the grant under Chief dangerous situations. www.info4parents.com Judge Eugene N. Hamilton and Acting Associate Deputy for Court Services Dr. Cheryl Bailey; while Change of Address the funds are provided by the D.C. Important Phone Child Support Office, under To keep newsletters and other Number director Philip Browning and Ms. materials coming, please notify Jessie Ball. CRC three weeks in advance of The phone number for the any address change. Send old and Congressional switchboard, CRC and our chapters need new addresses to CRC, 300 “I” which will reach all offices and Street N.E., Suite 401, Washing- committees, is (202) 225-3121. grant and proposal writers. ton, DC 20002.
Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 7 Equal Parents’ Week 2000
Hold a Vigil Sept. 27 at 8 P.M. EST Help Publicize “The Best Parent Is Both Parents”
Equal Parents’ Week islating and enforcing child support and need and deserve from loving and re- custody laws: namely, a 2-parent focus,” sponsible parents through laws or judi- 2000 said Patti Diroff, CRC’s Equal Parents’ cial discretion. Vetoing shared parenting Just Say YES! Week Coordinator. is a choice. The response of statutes and This year, Equal Parents’ Week is judges should instead require parents to Equal Parents’ Week will be held advocating that a 2-parent focus be es- make a choice to exercise their first re- September 25 to October 1, 2000. tablished as our national priority, maxi- sponsibility as a parent...to “just say yes” Spread the word to family, friends, mizing the involvement of both parents to making a commitment to doing what and other organizations to join in tying to meet all their children’s needs with- is truly in children’s best interest...to “just purple ribbons, and to join “A Moment out compromising or imposing financial say yes” to unconditionally loving and in Our Hearts, A Moment of Solidar- impediments to nonfinancial forms of sacrificing for their children...and that ity” by holding public and “Home Vig- child support. means, “Just Say Yes!” to shared ils” on Wednesday, September 27, 2000 To call attention to 2-parent focus is parenting. to make Equal Parents’ Week’s message the “Just Say Yes! to joint custody” cam- Comments, ideas and sugges- stronger than ever. paign. “Just Say Yes!” calls attention to tions should be directed to Patti “One of the most critical elements the problem of parental “veto” which Diroff at (909) 591-3689 and of family preservation has been and con- unreasonably and arbitrarily defeats [email protected] The Equal tinues to be left out at the local, state, shared parenting and all too often de- Parents’ Week website can be viewed at and national levels of government in leg- prives children from the contact they http://members.tripod.com/epweek.
Contact Other CRC CRC Training Session Members by E-mail Send and receive e-mail from Sept. 16 other CRC members around the country. CRC will hold an all day meeting If you are a CRC member, e- Saturday, Sept 16, 2000 (9 A.M. to 5 mail the following message to P.M.) for chapter heads, chapter mem- Harry Prillaman, CRC Coordina- bers and members of CRC interested tor for Georgia, who is supervis- in becoming active in CRC or active in ing this service. He can be reached Circle is BWI airport near Baltimore; a chapter. Topics: chapter development, at [email protected] star is hotel grant development, marketing. Dear Harry. I am a national Location: Ramada Inn, 6 miles from BWI Airport, between Baltimore CRC member who would like to and Washington, D.C. The meeting is only $20 per person, lunch included. join the [email protected] Seating is limited. Friday evening and/or Saturday evening dinner get-together distribution list. optional at individual expense if people are interested. Call the CRC national office Contact CRC if you wish to attend. at 202-547-6227 or fax 202-546- Hotel rooms from $69 to $82 depending on number of occupants. Free 4272 to make sure your national continental breakfast; free shuttle to BWI. Reserve rooms by calling 1-800- membership is current. 2RAMADA, ask for Ramada Inn Hanover, MD., ask for special CRC rate.
Correction from Last Issue Get a 3.9 percent CRC Credit Card The story about Eloise Anderson, Get the CRC VISA Credit Card, and obtain a low 3.9 percent introductory newest CRC Advisor, should have said rate. The credit card displays the CRC logo, and CRC receives a small contri- that she is the former head of the Cali- bution every time you use the card. CRC receives more if you break up a large fornia Department of Social Services, purchase into several small purchases. For an application, contact CRC, or call who is now Director of the Program for MBNA at 1-800-523-7666. the American Family, Claremont Insti- tute, Sacramento, California.
Page 8 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 Letters to the Editor A Way to Adjust the Guideline Editor: I am Eric Bleicken, making my second run for Congress from Cape Ask a state agency working Cod (2nd District of Massachusetts). If elected, I will work to end judicial on child support guidelines in immunity, hold DSS bureaucrats legally accountable, demand that perjury your state to invite Don be prosecuted, schedule hearings on how bogus restraining orders are being Bieniewicz, CRC’s expert on used to gain advantage in divorce and custody cases, fight against unconstitu- guidelines, to testify. tional gun seizures, and unreasonable divisions of property. Asking Bieniewicz to testify In my first run from the Cape Cod area in 1998, I took one third of the could help convince your state votes spending only about $8,000 to the incumbent’s $800,000. Please help to adopt portions of the only our cause. Thank you. guideline we know of that is based on a child having two par- Eric Bleichen, ents. 170B Pleasant St. This CRC guideline, S. Yarmouth, MA 02664. authored by Bieniewicz, was published by the federal govern- Note: CRC cannot endorse candidates for Congress. But we can print a ment in a publication entitled letter such as the above. “Child Support Guidelines: The Next Generation.” Editor: Write to Bieniewicz at I am in awe at the speed at which I received my son’s school records 10004 Fairoaks Road, Vienna, after you, Children’s Rights Council, called the school principal. VA 22181, contact him via email Let me tell you how fast I received those records that I requested for at [email protected], or almost two years. The same day that I received your letter informing me of phone 703-255-0837 (evenings). your conversation with the school principal is the same day I received the records. They sent them out the day you called them. I would like to thank you personally, Mr. Levy, and the Children’s Rights Council. ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼
Michael Short-Brennan Kenedy, TX Bequest in a Will (CRC phoned the U.S. Education Department office that handles the Educational Rights and Privacy Act—FERPA—which has responsibility for CRC thanks longtime CRC making school records available to non-custodial parents, at 202-260-3887. member John Siegmund of Vir- CRC held a three-way phone conversation between an Education Dept. rep- ginia for making a substantial resentative, CRC, and a school official). donation to CRC from the es- tate of his deceased mother, Mary. Mary Siegmund, while she was alive, was a member of Updated Parenting Directory Available CRC. We very much appreciate this contribution, and accept it Help More People! Find out about the 1,050 other groups around the coun- in memory of Mary Siegmund. try working on family issues, so that you can make referrals to parents who call Keep working for children. you and need help. If you wish to consider leaving a See this “CRC Parenting Directory” on one of our websites, bequest or property to CRC, www.info4parents.comwww.info4parents.com Or order a hardcopy or disc from CRC. please state the following in your The directory contains listings of about 1,050 organizations that work in will: “I hereby leave the follow- areas such as custody, access (visitation), and prevention of parental kidnap- ing to the Children’s Rights ping. Council: — (state your bequest).” The website is free. The hardcopy or disc are $12 for CRC members, and Beat the tax man! Contrib- $15 for non-members. CRC thanks Paul Robinson and Ed Mudrak for their ute to CRC! hard work in updating this Directory. Please fax us corrections or updates on information whenever you can, to 202-546-4272.
Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 9 Congressional Update Senate Considers $150 Million Fatherhood Bill House Committee Ties Popular Child Support Bill to Fatherhood Bill
The Senate continues to consider a the long-awaited Senate hearing has now “Responsible Fatherhood” bill (S. 1364) been held, there is a strong chance that that would provide $150 million to en- fatherhood legislation can be worked courage the role of fathers as parents in out between House and Senate versions low-income families and to help fathers this Fall. better provide for their children. Congress is considering the Father- The Senate bill is a counterpart to hood bill as part of its continuing efforts the “Fathers Count Act” (H.R. 3073), Domenici Bayh on welfare reform and welfare-to-work passed by the House of Representatives initiatives. With many mothers now on November 10, 1999, by a vote of 328 Senate Considers Bill to Help coming off welfare, Congress knows that to 93. with Emotional and Financial they must have the financial help of fa- The House Human Resources Sub- Support of Children thers. But the Fatherhood bill goes be- committee passed the Child Support yond welfare-to-work incentives, and Distribution of Act, H.R. 4678 in June, In an unusual display of unity, a encourages the role of fathers as parents and “attached” the Fatherhood bill to dozen different groups, including in low- income families and to help fa- that Child Support Act. By “re-passing” women’s organizations, family organiza- thers better provide for their children. the very same fatherhood bill the House tions, and CRC, all wrote opposing the Some observers have referred to this passed in 1999, the committee is saying proposal by House Republicans to in- bill as a parenting bill, because it will have to the Senate: “Pass this legislation—we’ll crease privatization in the bill. CRC’s the ultimate purpose of assisting children make it easy for you—child support and view was that companies like Lookheed to have more involvement by both par- fatherhood, all in one package.” Martin and Maximus would not reach ents in their lives. Some services and pro- Sponsors of the House version of out to parents the way child support of- grams are expected to reach out to low- both bills—The “Fathers Count Act” and fices are increasing doing. House Re- income mothers and divorced parents. the “Child Support Distribution Act,” publicans dropped the privatization pro- Previous legislation that helped par- are Reps. Nancy Johnson (R-CT) and vision and asked the groups to now sup- ents to function as parents is the $10 Ben Cardin (D-MD). port the amended bill. million a year in access (visitation) funds The Child Support bill would provide A hearing was held July 25 on the that Congress has provided to the states more child support money to families Fatherhood legislation by the Senate Fi- since 1997. leaving welfare and simplify the rules gov- nance Committee’s Subcommittee on Sponsors of the Senate Fatherhood erning the assignment and distribution of Social Security and Family Policy, un- bill are Sens. Pete Domenici (R-NM) child support collected by the states. der Sen. Don Nickles (R-OK). Because and Evan Bayh (D-IN).
Amicus Briefs May be Available Chapter Needed If your case is on appeal, and you would like CRC to in NYS consider writing an amicus brief, contact CRC. CRC can- not handle cases at the trial level, and we do not write the CRC needs to develop a new main appeal brief. An amicus brief is a supplemental brief, chapter in upstate New York. The telling the court why this case is of significance not only to chapter might be able to run an the parties in the case, but to other children and families access grant. For information, con- as well. We generally need 30 to 60 days before the filing tact CRC at 202-547-6227 or call deadline. Kim Frey at 607/785-9338.
Page 10 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 Family Facts
The Negative Effects of Divorce on Children; and Some Remedies Patrick F. Fagan and Robert Rector The Heritage Foundation
Each year more than 1 million American children suffer the divorce of their parents; more- over, half of the children born this year to parents who are married will see their parents divorce before they turn 18. Mounting evidence in social science journals demonstrates the devastating physical, emotional, and financial effects that divorce is having on these children will last well into adulthood and affect future generations: Among those broad and lasting effects are: * Children whose parents have divorced are increasingly the victims of health, behavioral and emotional problems, are involved more frequently in crime and drug abuse, and have higher rates of suicide: * Children of divorce perform more poorly in reading, spelling and math, are more likely to repeat a grade and to have higher drop-out rates and lower rates of college graduation * Families with children that were not poor before the divorce, see their income drop by fifty percent. * Religious worship has been seen to contribute to better health, longer marriages, and better family life. These areas drop after the parents divorce. The authors recommend a restoration of the value of marriage back into our society, in the following ways: * Establish, by resolution, a national goal of reducing divorce; * Establish pro-marriage demonstration programs; * Mandate that surplus welfare funds be used to strengthen marriage; * Rebuild the federal-state system for gathering statistics on marriage and divorce; * Create a public health campaign; Shared Parenting More * Give a one-time tax credit to always-married couples when their youngest children reach 18. Widespread than Commonly Governing marriage, state laws should: Believed * Establish a goal to reduce the divorce rate; * Require married couples with minor children to A recently released report from the U.S. Census complete divorce education; Bureau provides new evidence that shared parenting is * Promote community-wide marriage programs; more widespread than commonly believed. The 1998 * End “no-fault” divorce for parents with children under Survey of Program Dynamics (SPD), released in May, age 18; 2000, is a follow-up of a population survey originally * Make the Covenant Marriage option available to undertaken in 1992. In 1998, the included categories engaged couples, which lengthens the process for for joint legal and joint physical custody for the first obtaining of a divorce by two years. time. Previous Census surveys required children to be CRC has recommended to the Heritage Foundation reported as either living with mother or living with fa- that they include greater access to both parents as way of ther, with children in shared custody situations divided assisting in encouraging marriages. The Census Bureau between these categories. has found that states with the highest amount of shared Based on this government data, CRC estimates physical custody subsequently have the lowest divorce shared custody at approximately zero in 1980, with an rates. The Heritage Foundation is considering this rec- increase of just under one point a year between 1980 ommendation. and 1991, and increasing by about one point a year since then. CRC’s model estimates that 11.9% of di- The above facts (except the CRC recommendation) areThe Effects vorced families had shared physical custody in 1992, from the article by Fagan and Rector entitled with nearly 20% in 1999. in The Heritage Foundation of Divorce on America Shared physical custody requiems that a child spent Backgrounder. For copies of the article, visit at least 30% of his or her time with a parent on a year- www.heritage.org/library/backgrounder/bg1373.html. round basis. The Heritage Foundation is a conservative think tank For further information, contact Rick Kuhn, CRC based in Washington, D.C. Evaluator of Research, care of CRC.
From Volume 15, Number 2, Summer 2000, Speak Out for Children, newsletter of the Children’s Rights Council 300 “I” Street N.E., Suite 401, Washington, D.C. 20002-4389 phone (202) 547-6227 Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 11 IN THE COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN, CONTRIBUTE TO THE CHILDREN’S RIGHTS COUNCIL (CRC)
We are #1513 in the Children’s Charities of America (CCA). Look for CRC’s listing in the index of the CFC Brochure, then turn to the page given for CCA’s members. You may donate to CRC online at our website at www.gocrc.com
The Children’s Rights Council works to assure that children of separation and divorce obtain as much emotional and financial support as children of intact marriages.
Some of CRC’s accomplishments:
❤ Credited with being the organization that convinced Congress, for the first time in history, to provide funds for access/visitation demonstration programs in 1988;
❤ The results of the above 1988 grants were so positive that in the 1996 Welfare Reform Law, Congress provided $10 million a year for all 50 states and jurisdictions to provide access/visita- tion programs;
❤ Publicized findings in 1998 from Census Bureau and National Center for Health Statistics that the states with the highest amount of joint physical custody in 1989–1990 had the lowest divorce rates in the subsequent years 1991–1995;
❤ Publicized findings that children with two parents generally have fewer problems with drugs and crimes than children with only one parent. Obtained changes in attitudes and laws in order to encourage a child’s bonding to two parents and extended family;
❤ Promoted the school-based “Banana Splits” program to help children of separation and divorce channel the transition in their lives into stronger academic achievement;
❤ CRC and its chapters established transfer sites for children, parenting education and other programs in MD, VA, IL, NY, NE, OH and Washington, D.C.
❤ Provided assistance to parents and professionals on how to get through the divorce process in the most peaceful, problem-free way, so as to take the stress out of divorce. Money that would be spent on battling between parents is available for the children.
CRC only receives funds that you actually designate!
The Children’s Rights Council is a national non-profit organization at 300 “I” St., NE #401, Washington, D.C. 20002-4389. Phone: 202/547-6227 Fax: 202/546-4272. See our web sites at www.gocrc.com and www.info4parents.com
To obtain a copy of our Catalog of Resources, Directory of Parenting Organizations, Affiliation Book, Annual Report, or latest audit, write or call CRC. Thank you.
PLEASE COPY, DISTRIBUTE, AND POST IN FEDERAL OFFICES, POST OFFICES, AND MILITARY BASES. IN UNITED WAY, WORKPLACE, AND CORPORATE CAMPAIGNS, CONTRIBUTE TO THE CHILDREN’S RIGHTS COUNCIL (CRC).
CRC works to strengthen families through education and advocacy. We favor family for- mation and family preservation, but if families break up, or are never formed, we work to assure a child the frequent and continuing contact with two parents and extended family the child would normally have during marriage. Our motto is “The Best Parent is Both Parents.”
For the child’s benefit, CRC favors parenting education before marriage, during mar- riage, and in the event of separation. We work to demilitarize divorce between parents who are involved in marital disputes, substituting mediation for the adversarial process, and pro- viding for emotional and financial child support. We also favor school-based programs for children at risk.
There are several ways you can contribute to the Children’s Rights Council:
❤ through the Combined Federal Campaign if you work for the federal government at any federal office, post office, or military base;
❤ in the Washington, D.C. and San Francisco Bay Area United Way campaigns;
❤ in the Virginia and Maryland State Employee Campaigns;
❤ if you wish to contribute to CRC through a United Way where we are not listed, please ask your employer if you can designate (write in) the Children’s Rights Council;
❤ in corporate campaigns throughout the United States; or
❤ if you wish to contribute directly to CRC, write to CRC, 300 “I” Street N.E., Suite 401, Washington, D.C. 20002-4389.
Contributions accepted on Visa, MC, or AMEX credit cards.
You may donate to the Children’s Rights Council on our Website at www.gocrc.com You may also visit us at www.info4parents.com All contributions are tax-deductible. CHILDREN FIRST! THANK YOU!
To join, or for more information, call (202) 547-6227.
300 “I” Street N.E. • Suite 401• Washington, D.C. • 20002 • Telephone (202) 547-6227 • Fax (202) 546-4CRC (4272)
COPY, DISTRIBUTE, AND POST FOR UNITED WAY, WORKPLACE, AND CORPORATE CAMPAIGNS. Around the Country
Contribute to the Non-Custodial Parents Quilt Serge Prengel, New York City CRC
CRC’s “Quilt” is a They’re all different, collection of photo- and yet, they’re all ex- 3 CRC Interns (l to r) graphs of divorced pressions of how pre- 3 CRC Interns (l to r) parents with their cious the parent-child Carnright, Gianotti, Randall, children that is on relationship is, and at Fathers Day Rally permanent display on how much it means to the internet us. When you click on (www.betterdivorce.com/ any picture on the Fathers Day Rally quilt/quilt/). quilt, you can go to a The quilt honors page where that pic- Nearly 100 people gathered on Fa- the love of the unseen parents - the non- ture is bigger, and the parent has de- thers Day to march from the White custodial parents who cannot be as in- scribed in a few words the family’s situa- House to the Capitol as part of volved with their children as they’d like tion. “FathersDay2000.” This was an effort to to be. The quilt is divided into two sections, support the tens of thousands of dads There is symbolic value in this quilt. the fathers’ section and the mothers’ sec- nationwide who, organizers noted, are For one thing, this virtual quilt works the tion, to clearly affirm that children need kept from participating in the rearing of same way a real quilt does. As individual both a mother and a father. This is in their children. Speakers shared personal non-custodial parents, we feel that our line with CRC’s mission— we believe that stories and called for new laws to pro- love for our children is not seen by the children need continued contact with tect their rights as caregivers. world, just as the pieces of fabric that both parents after divorce, and we work Marchers came from all over the make up a quilt are relatively insignifi- to keep both parents involved in the lives country and from various backgrounds. cant by themselves. Put together, our ca- of their children. The quilt is a work in The crowd included men, women, and pacity to give love and warmth becomes progress that is expanding as more lov- children. Representatives of the more visible to all. ing parents submit pictures. Stop by the Children’s Rights Council showed sup- When you look at the quilt, you’ll website to learn more about the Quilt port for the march’s theme of equal cus- be struck by the variety of situations and and see how you can become a part of tody rights for fathers and mothers. CRC moods captured by these snapshots. it: www.betterdivorce.com/quilt/ Interns Amy Carnright, Janee Gianotti, and Jennifer Randall carried a CRC ban- ner and handed out CRC newsletters. The crowd, although small, has been CRC Needs growing in number over the three years since David Wilson and Greg Romeo ✵ Free or reduced-fee office space. Get a tax write-off as you help kids began organizing the march. Pictures of and CRC. 1,200 square feet or more anywhere in the Washington, the march can be seen on the website D.C. area (Maryland, D.C. or Virginia).
Page 14 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 battles, which have been noted by the Here are some important bills and resolutions in Congress affecting fami- American Bar Association and other lies. Write to your House member or Senator to let them know what you organizations. America must deal with think of a particular bill. They do not get enough mail on issues of concern to false abuse accusations in order to help CRC members. So contact them! Let them know what sort of legislation you children who really have been abused, would like to see passed! as officials in Texas and other states have Write decided. Senator —— (name) Representative — (name) The Senate has two other VAWA Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20515 measures. S. 245, was introduced in January 1999 by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R- UT) and referred to the Judiciary Com- mittee. Another bill, S. 1321, was re-in- House Bills Senate Judiciary Committee, 202-224- troduced by Sen. Paul Wellstone (D- 8081, Study of Child Custody Laws in WI) which did not pass in the earlier Bills Affecting Child Domestic Violence Cases, introduced by session of Congress. As part of that bill, Custody Stalking Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE), Authorizes the supervised visitation centers would be Prevention Attorney General to make grants to established for children who witness States and Indian tribal governments to domestic violence at home. The bill H.R. 1869,H.R. 1869, the Stalking Prevention enable them to enter into contracts and would also increase the role of schools and Victim Protection Act, passed the cooperative agreements to assist public in providing assistance. House, referred to Senate Judiciary or private non-profit entities in establish- Committee, 202-224-8081, sponsored ing and operating supervised visitation Bills Affecting Financial by Rep. Sue Kelly (D-NY). A compan- centers for purposes of facilitating super- Child Support ion Senate measure was introduced in vised visitation and visitation exchange January 2000 by Sen. John Ashcroft (S. of children by and between parents. Denial of Passports 2011). A similar bill (S. 1660) sponsored Requires that priority be given to States by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison was pre- that consider domestic violence in mak- H.R. 521. H.R. 521. Denial of Passports to viously introduced. The bills would ing a custody decision and require find- Noncustodial Parents in Cases of Non- amend Title 18 of the U.S. Code and ings on the record. Currently in the Sen- payment of Child Support. Introduced broaden the definition of stalking in in- ate Judiciary Committee. by Rep. Robert Andrews (D-NJ). Re- terstate or foreign commerce to apply to Write to Sen. Biden, Senate Judi- ferred to House International Relations those who act “with the intent to injure ciary Committee, and your Senator, stat- Committee and the House Subcommit- or harass” another person and engage ing that Congress has already provided tee for International Operations and in conduct “that places an individual, a for the exchange sites we seek, but in a Human Rights. It is a bill that would deny member of their immediate family or more general, family-friendly way, in the passports to noncustodial parents sub- intimate partner in reasonable fear” of 1996 Welfare Reform Law. CRC seeks ject to State arrest warrants in cases of death or bodily injury. an increase in funding for those access/ nonpayment of child support awards. The bills would not take the place of visitation/parenting programs. Write to Chairman Benjamin A. state anti-stalking statutes but would pro- S. 51, Sec. 302,S. 51, Sec. 302, Senate Judiciary Gilman, (R-NY), House International vide for federal prosecution where a Committee, Directs the Attorney Gen- Relations Committee and Chairman stalker threatens an individual by tele- eral to study and report to Congress on Christopher Smith (R-NJ), House Sub- phone, mail, or e-mail. The bills indi- Federal and State laws relating to child committee for International Operations cate that stalking includes “harassment,” custody, including the Parental Kidnap- and Human Rights, Washington, D.C. a term not defined in U.S. statutes. Be- ping Prevention Act of 1980, and their 20515, asking that passports should also cause harassment is a charge frequently effect on child custody cases in which be denied to individuals in violation of leveled by one parent against another domestic violence is a factor. Requires custody and access/visitation orders. during divorce, the bill will almost cer- study to examine the burdens and risks tainly lead to greater abuse of court re- encountered by victims of domestic vio- Bankruptcy Reform Act straining orders by vindictive parents. lence arising from compliance with the Provisions Would Under the new proposals, no clear guide- full faith and credit (and judicial juris- Prioritize Financial Child lines are given for the removal of restrain- diction) requirements of that Act. Support ing orders. Write to your Senator and Sen. The Ashcroft bill is being considered Biden stating that Sec. 302 of the pro- The Bankruptcy Reform Act of by the Constitutional Subcommittee of posed law should direct the Attorney 1999, H.R. 833, introduced by Rep. the Senate Judiciary Committee, (202- General to also report on the frequency George Gekas, passed in the House on 224-8081). of use and effect of false allegations of S. 51, Title II, S. 51, Title II, combined with S. 245, abuse in the midst of custody (visitation) Continued on page 16
Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 15 Child Custody Child Support including child development, family bud- Continued from page 15 Disbursement Unit geting, health and nutrition, and other skills to promote their long-term eco- May 5, 1999. A similar measure from S.1033, S.1033, passed by House and Sen- nomic independence and well-being of Sen. Grassley (R-IA) was considered by ate. Child Support Penalty Fairness Act. their children. the Senate, S. 625. Senator Hatch (R-UT) introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D- CRC recommends writing to Sen. in November, 1999, gave a speech on the CA). Referred to Senate Finance Com- Moynihan to ask that connecting chil- Senate floor where he proposed strength- mittee. It is a bill to amend Title IV of dren to both of the child’s parents be ening the protection of child support ob- the Social Security Act to coordinate the part of the bill. ligations during bankruptcy proceedings. penalty for the failure of a State to oper- The Senate voted to act on HR 833 which ate a State child support disbursement passed the Senate on February 2, 2000, unit with the alternative penalty proce- CRC Wants Chapters and the bill went to a conference com- dure for failures to meet data process- in Every State mittee to reconcile differences between ing requirements. House and Senate versions. The bill is expected to be signed into Bills to Strengthen Family CRC WANTS CHAPTERS IN law by President Clinton by the time you Life and Marriage EVERY STATE! GO CRC!! receive this newsletter. Overall, the bill For development of chapters in gives greater protection to collect sup- H. Res. 280, states that do not yet have any CRC port obligations than current law pro- passed the House chapters: vides. The new law would ensure that on June 12, 2000, Re: states out west, contact CRC available assets first go to pay a support sponsored by Rep. Board Member from the chapters obligation, before credit card debt, tax Vernon J. Ehlers Terry Cady in Illinois. obligation, or any other debt. Previously, (R-MI), referred to Re: states in the south, contact certain obligations, such as taxes, were the Senate. Recog- Board Advisor from the chapters to be discharged prior to child support nizes the impor- Fred Wall in North Carolina. arrearages. The new law would change tance of strong mar- Re: states in the east, contact Ehlers that priority, and if there are any assets, riage in general, and Board Advisor from the chapters they would go first to child support. The the Greater Grand Rapids Community Margaret Wuwert in Ohio. new bill also toughens requirements that Marriage Policy in particular. That policy See their names and numbers on the bankruptcy trustee notify persons outlines a menu for a successful mar- page 30. owed child support and government col- riage, including not marrying too young, For states in the east, you may lection agencies of the pending bank- finishing school, choosing a mate with also contact Ron Pilcher, 513/755- ruptcy proceeding. similar values, dating at least a year be- 2932. For further information, contact fore marriage, completing a premarital Join CRC, then ask for a copy House Subcommittee on Commercial course, waiting to cohabit until after mar- of the 100-page CRC booklet that and Administrative Law, 202/225-2835. riage, emphasizing the positive, sharing explains everything you need to household duties, worshiping together, know about affiliation. The cost of Bill Would Require IRS having fun together, and remembering the booklet is $15.00. to Collect Support that commitment is the foundation to successful marriage. Urge your Senators H.R.1488,H.R.1488, hearing held by House to pass this Resolution. Intellectual Property Human Resources Subcommittee, 202- S. 208 S. 208 Enhanc- Protection 225-1025, but bill not expected to be ing Family Life Act, passed. Compassion for Children and sponsored by Sen. Charlie Ruggiero, who obtained Child Support Enforcement Act of 1999 Daniel Patrick trademark protection for the name introduced by Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL). Moynihan was re- and logo “Children’s Rights Coun- This bill would require the Internal Rev- ferred to the Fi- cil” and the name and logo for our enue Service to collect and disburse child nance Committee. newsletter “Speak Out for Chil- support payments. A hearing was held by It would provide dren” is a specialist in trademark, the Human Resources subcommittee of “second chance patent, copyright, and licensing law. the Ways and Means Committee (202/ homes” to custodial Moynihan He is a partner in the law firm of 225-1025) on March 16, 2000. State child parents under age Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero and support administrators and other child 19 and their chil- Perle, 1 Landmark Square, Suite support experts oppose federalizing child dren where they would have a support- 903, Stamford, CT 06901, tele- support, and the bill is not expected to ive and supervised living arrangement phone (203) 327-6067. be approved by the subcommittee. and be required to learn parenting skills,
Page 16 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 Disabuse Congress of the Notion that Shared Please photocopy or retype this letter Parenting is Linked to and send to your House member. Violence Get your friends to write, also!
An anti-joint custody provision origi- nally appeared in Section 241 of H.R. Date 3514, the Violence Against Women Act Your address (VAWA) II and a 1998 House Joint Resolution (HJR 182), which thanks in Congress member (add name) part to efforts of CRC members was not U.S. House of Representatives adopted. Washington, D.C. 20515 A similar anti shared parenting pro- vision was re-inserted in the 1999 ver- Dear — sion of the Violence Against Women Act, H.R. 357, introduced by Rep. John I ask you to please oppose Title VI, Sec. 601 of H.R. 3315 (The Ready Conyers (D-Mich) and supported by 178 Act—reducing the Effects of Abuse and Domestic Violence on Youth). I am co-sponsors. CRC members were urged concerned that the language of the resolution might mistakenly convey an to write to Congress opposing the “pri- impression to federal, state, or local policymakers that domestic violence shares mary caretaker” parent language in Sec- a link in some manner with shared custody. tion 241. This would be a terrible disservice to all children at risk from family vio- So many of you wrote in opposition lence. There is abundant evidence that the great majority of child victims of to that anti-joint resolution, that oppo- physical abuse and neglect live in single parent homes. By contrast, the inci- nents of shared parenting have now “wa- dence of child abuse and neglect of children in shared legal and physical cus- tered down” the anti-joint custody reso- tody arrangements is very low. Children raised without their fathers as well as lution. mothers are twice as likely to be victims of abuse and five times as likely to live We must oppose that resolution, in poverty compared to children both of whose parents, dads and moms, par- also, but first let us explain that CRC is ticipate in the parenting process. very concerned about family violence, The language of the resolution is over-broad. and the need to prevent it and treat it. The use of the terms “history of domestic violence” and “abuse” might be Family violence is not acceptable. CRC subject to overly-expansive interpretation. States should design their own spe- works with advocates to prevent and re- cific, detailed statutory criteria narrowly tailored to those limited instances in duce family violence. which shared or joint custody would be inappropriate. Researchers have found that there is For example, although the District of Columbia starts with a presumption no link between shared parenting and for joint custody, there is an exception in those instances where a judicial of- family violence. Quite the reverse. Fam- ficer finds by a preponderance of the evidence that an intra-family offense as ily violence, as well as other societal defined in the D.C. Code has taken place. problems, including high crime and drug Most parents are loving and fit, and thus shared parenting should not be rates, lower academic performance, discouraged, even through a well-intended resolution. teenage suicide, promiscuity, and other society problems, are linked to a differ- ent kind of family structure—the single Sign your name parent family. Many children of single-parent households turn out fine, but statistically, It is the sense of Congress that for Stabenow anti-social behaviors have been linked the purpose of determining child cus- Running for Senate for the past 30 by all researchers to a tody, it is not in the best of children to: lack of two parents in a child’s life. • force parents to share custody over Rep. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), a As just one example, the 6 year old the objection of one or both long time advisor to the CRC, is run- boy who shot and killed a 6 year old girl parents where there is a history of ning for the Senate in Michigan this in a school in Michigan was growing up domestic violence; or Fall. When she was a member of the a crack house without either his father • make “friendly parent’ provisions state senate in Michigan, Stabenow or his mother. a factor when there is abuse of one strengthened the “Friend of the The watered down version of the parent against another or a child. Court” provision to provide for expe- anti-joint custody resolution in H.R. dited handling of access complaints. 3315 states:
Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 17 Children’s Rights Council
2000 CATALOG OF RESOURCES for parents and professionals
MANY BOOKS DISCOUNTED! Buy at Discount & Sell for Full Price to Your Group Make $$$ or Give Copies to Educate Judges or Policymakers Discounted Books Are in BoldType
BOOKS FOR KIDS BOOKS FOR PARENTS NEW! 50/50 Parenting, by Gayle Kimball, Ph.D. Almost 300 co- A Heart Full of Love, written by Bette S. Margolis, illus- parents and 83 children report on life in Married, Divorced, trated by Christie L. Kline. A wonderful book for that spe- and Step-family situations. cial 7- to 9-year-old in your life who is undergoing parental SB-201 ------$9.95 divorce. SB-101 ------$15.00 Divorce Book for Parents, by Vicki Lansky, 1987. Warmly supportive and reassuring, this comprehensive I Love You More Than..., by Elizabeth Hickey and James guide speaks to all divorced and divorcing parents. Cohen. Illustrated by Lynda Smart Brown, 1998. HB-203 ------$6.00 HB-102 ------$16.95 The Divorce Help Source Book, by Margorie Engel, Daddy Day, Daughter Day, by CNN’s Larry King and 1994. Combines sound advice with hundreds of poten- Chaia King, 1997. A true story of divorce told through both tial sources of help to assist you in getting the results a child’s and a father’s perspective. you deserve. ✶ SB-103 ------$12.95 SB-204 ------Reg. $17.95 Discount Price $7.00
How to Survive Your Parent’s Divorce: Kids Ad- Divorced Dads, Shattering the Myths, vice to Kids, by Gayle Kimball, 1994. Easy-to-read by Sanford L. Braver, Ph.D., 1998. The sur- one-of-a-kind guide for young people and their parents prising truth about fathers, children and as they reshape their lives post-divorce. divorce. SB-104 ------Reg. $9.95 ✶Discount Price $4.00 HB-205 ------$24.95
I Think Divorce Stinks, by Marcia Lebowitz, 1992. Helps For the Sake of the Children, by Kris children recognize that it is appropriate to have negative Kline and Stephen Pew, 1992. Discusses feelings about divorce and to express those feelings. how to share your children with your ex-spouse de- SB-105 ------$4.95 spite your anger. Kline is CRC’s Florida coordinator. PHOTOCOPIES ONLY! What am I Doing in a Stepfamily?, by Claire Berman, HB-206 ------Reg. $18.95 ✶Discount Price $9.00 1994. A children’s book explaining how two families can be better than one. Divorce: Crisis, Challenge, or Relief?, by David A. SB-106 ------$12.00 Chiriboga and Linda S. Catron, 1991. Addresses the impact of divorce on children through different stages It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear, by of their lives. Vicki Lansky, 1998. Koko Bear can help SB-207 ------Reg. $22.50 ✶Discount Price $5.00 children understand divorce and sends a good message. SB-107------$5.99 Why Parents Disagree: How Women and Men Par- ent Differently and How We Can Work Together, The Divorce Workbook, by Sally Ives, by Dr. Ron Taffel, 1994. An explanation of why parents be- David Fassler & Michelle Lasch, 1985 How to facilitate hon- gin to lead different lives and how parents can raise kids as est and open communication between adults and children partners, not enemies. at the traumatic time of separation and divorce. Q and A for SB-208 ------$23.00 kids. SB-108 ------$15.95 The Good Divorce, by Constance R. Ahrons, Ph.D., 1994. My Book, My Self for Boys, by Linda Madaras and An outstanding book with a powerful message: while di- Area Madaras, 1995. The “What’s Happening to My vorce is not ‘good,’ there is a path to a ‘good divorce’ where Body for Boys.” parents cooperate fully for the sake of their children. SB-109 ------Reg. $11.95 ✶Discount Price $6.00 HB-209 ------$23.00 A Hole in My Heart, by Claire Berman, 1991. A book Familyhood: Nurturing the Values that Matter, by that will enable adult children of divorce to recognize Dr. Lee Salk, 1992. A practical, inspiring guide to communi- the role they play in changing patterns in their lives. cating values. SB-210 ------Reg. $10.00 ✶Discount Price $5.00 HB-220 ------Reg. $21.00 ✶Discount Price $10.00
Families Apart, by Melinda Blau, 1993. 10 Keys to Suc- The Best Parent is Both Parents: A Guide to cessful Co-Parenting. A blend of the author’s own re- Shared Parenting in the 21st Century, the CRC search, and that of other experts, and rich in anecdotal book edited by David L. Levy. Order bulk copies (10 or more) information. for only $4 a copy, resell the copies for the list price of $10 ✶ SB-211 ------Reg. $22.95 Discount Price $10.00 each, and make a profit for you or your organization! Indi- vidual copies will continue to be available from CRC for REVISED! $10 each, plus $4 for postage, as long as supplies last. If Mom’s House, Dad’s House, by Isolina Ricci, Ph.D., you would like copies (individual or bulk order) autographed 1998. Making shared custody work: How parents can make by David L. Levy, just state to whom you would like it two homes for their children after divorce. 100 New pages autographed (yourself, perhaps your children—give their to this classic book! names). SB-212 ------$20.00 SB-221 ------Order 10 copies or more each only $4.00 ------Individual copies $10.00 Negotiating Love: How Women and Men Can Re- solve Their Differences, by Riki Robbins Jones, 1995. Helping Your Kids Cope With Divorce, by M. Gary Points our destructive habits by both genders which, when Neuman, L.M.H.C. 1996. This book is based on the nation- realized, strengthen families and relationships. ally renowned “Sandcastles” workshop. SB-213 ------$14.00 HB-222 ------$25.00
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Surviving Divorce, The Sibling Society, by Robert Bly, 1996, author of “Iron by Paula Weintraub and Terry Hillman, 1996. John.” Describes our culture as one where adults remain SB-214 ------Reg. $16.95 ✶Discount Price $7.00 children, and children have no desire to become adults—a nation of squabbling siblings. Putting Kids First, by Michael HB-223 ------Reg. $25.00 ✶Discount Price $12.00 Oddenino. A must read for caring parents and professionals, by CRC’s General NEW! Counsel. Includes a children’s bill of rights. Ceasefire, by Cathy Young, 1999, syndi- SB-215 ------$9.95 cated columnist. Why women and men must join forces to achieve true equality; how that Second Chances, by Judith will help children, too. Wallerstein and Sandra Blakeslee, 1989. HB-224 ------$25.00 Based on ten year longitudinal study of the effects of Saying No Is Not Enough, by Richard divorce on adults and children. Schwebel, Ph.D., 1989. Raising children who HB-216 ------Reg. $14.95 ✶Discount Price $5.00 make wise decisions about drugs and alco- hol. Surviving the Break-Up, How Children and Par- SB-225 ------$11.00 ents Cope with Divorce, by Judith Wallerstein, Ph.D. and Joan Kelly, Ph.D., 1980. A classic that is still valid Abolition of Marriage, by Maggie Gallagher, 1996, in discussing the problems of children being raised by syndicated columnist. How we destroy lasting love. single parents. HB-226 ------$25.00 SB-217 ------Reg. $14.00 ✶Discount Price $10.00
REVISED! Friends for Life, by Susan Jonas and Marilyn Nissenson, 1997. Enriching the bond between mothers and their adult Creating a Successful Parenting Plan, by Dr. A. Jayne daughters. Major. Nationally acclaimed author of “Breakthrough HB-227 ------$29.00 Parenting” and “Winning the Custody War Without Casual- ties” , by Peter R. SB-218 ------$24.95 Talking Back to Ritalin Breggin, M.D., 1998, 4-time guest on Oprah. What doctors aren’t telling you about the dan- 3 Steps to a Strong Family, by Linda and Richard Eyre, gers of stimulants. 1994. A 3-step program that can make your family life hap- HB-228 ------$25.00 pier, less stressful, and more rewarding. HB-219 ------$19.50 BOOKS FOR STEPPARENTS The Daddy Track and the Single Father, by Geoffery L. Greif, 1990. A book about successfully coping with kids, How to Win as a Stepfamily, by Emily housework, a job, an ex-wife, a social life, and the courts. Visher, Ph.D. and John Visher, M.D., 1982. HB-506 ------$19.95 The co-founders of the Stepfamily Association of America answer questions and give sug- Money-Smart Divorce. What Women Need to gestions on how to make stepfamilies work. Know about Money and Divorce, by Esther M. HB-301 ------$13.95 Berger, 1996. SB-507 ------$22.00 Making it as a Stepparent, New Roles/ Why Men Are the Way They Are, by Warren Farrell, New Rules, by Claire Berman, 1986. Former president 1986. Provides insights into loved one’s secret insights of the Stepfamily Association of America provides practical and desires. help and insights. SB-509 ------Reg. $5.99 ✶Discount Price $3.00 SB-302 ------$7.95 Fathers’ Rights, by Jeffrey Leving. A best-sell- Stepfamilies Stepping Ahead, edited by Mala Burt for ing book for fathers who want to maintain contact the Stepfamily Association of America. with their children. SB-303 ------$9.95 SB-510 ------$12.50 BOOKS FOR GRANDPARENTS The Divorced Parent: Success Strategies for Raising Your Children After Separation, by Grandparenting in a Changing World, by Edna Stephanie Marston, 1994. Provides practical advice and LeShan, 1997. “Common sense presented with uncom- specific tools for raising well-adjusted children. mon grace.” —Kirkus Reviews. HB-511 ------$21.00 ✶ SB-401 ------Reg. $12.00 Discount Price $6.00 Father’s Day, by Bill McCoy, 1995. Witty and wise notes from a new dad in the real world. BOOKS FOR SINGLE PARENTS HB-512 ------Reg. $22.00 ✶Discount Price $11.00
Still a Dad, The Divorced Father’s Like Father, Like Son, By Hunter S. Fulghum, 1996. A Journey, by CRC’s own Serge Prengel, collection of stories on being a man at midlife in 1998. Published with praise from Warren America, with introduction by Robert Fulghum. Farrell, Karen DeCrow, and James A. Cook. HB-513 ------Reg. $21.95 ✶Discount Price $11.00 SB-2501 ------$13.95 Child Custody Made Simple, by Webster Watnik, 1997. Answers all your questions about Surviving Divorce—Women’s Re- child custody and child support for a single sources After Separation, by Mavis Maclean, 1991. parent. Women coping with earnings, maintenance and welfare in SB-514 ------$21.95 the U.S., France, and Great Britain. HB-502 ------$5.00 The Single Parent’s Money Guide, by Emily Card, 1996. A plan for managing your money when you are the only Another Way Home: A Single Father’s Story, by one your family can count on. ✶ John Thorndike, 1996. A memoir of Thorndike’s life with SB-515 ------Reg. $14.95 Discount Price $6.00 his wife and the difficult decisions he has had to make Questions from Dad, by CRC Spokesperson and pop regarding their son’s life. singer Dwight Twilley, 1994. A very cool way to communi- HB-503 ------Reg. $24.00 ✶Discount Price $12.00 cate with your child. Introduced by Dr. Susan Forward. SB-516 ------$17.00 Fatherless America, by David Blankenhorn, 1995. Shows the devastating consequences of fatherlessness I Am the Mother of Sons. Poems by Jayne Jaudon Ferrer, in both individual families and in our society. 1996. Illustrated by Lina Levy. HB-504 ------Reg. $23.00 ✶Discount Price $10.00 HB-517 ------$10.00
The Masculine Mystique: The Politics of Mascu- Men on Divorce—The Other Side of the Story, ed- linity, by Andrew Kimbrell, 1995. Presents the argu- ited by Penny Kaganoff and Susan Spano, 1997. ✶ ment that American men are in crisis and includes what SB-518 ------Reg. $12.00 Discount Price $6.00 lead to this phenomenon. , by Pat Ross, 1992. The book of memories ✶ One Swell Dad HB-505 ------Reg. $23.00 Discount Price $10.00 and expressions of fatherly endearment from the past. HB-519 ------$9.00 MEDIATION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION The Father’s Emergency Guide to Divorce/Custody Family Evaluations in Child Custody, Mediation, Battle, A Tour Through the Predatory World of Judges, Law- yers, Psychologists and Social Workers in the Subculture of Arbitration and Litigation, by Richard Gardner, M.D., Divorce, by Robert Seidenberg, with the legal insights of Wil- 1989. In this update, Gardner proposes a three-phase sys- liams Dawes, Esq., 1997. tem to remove child custody evaluations from courtroom SB-707 ------$15.00 litigation. HB-601 ------$45.00 Every Parent’s Guide to the Law, by Deborah L. Forman. Everything you need to know about legal issues Healing Hearts, Helping Children and Adults affecting parents and children pre-birth through the child- Recover from Divorce, by Elizabeth Hickey, M.S.W., rearing years. CRC’s National Parent Education Director, and Elizabeth SB-708 ------$18.00 Dalton, attorney and mediator HB-602 ------$15.00 PARENTAL KIDNAPPING
Parent Vs. Parent: How You and Your Child Can NEW! Autographed Copies! Survive the Custody Battle, by Stephen P. Herman, They Are My Children, Too, by Catherine Meyer, 1999. M.D., 1990. Expert advice for parents through all stages of Powerful account of a mother’s loss of her children. A case the divorce process. of international parental kidnapping. Written by CRC’s new HB-603 ------$20.95 Honorary President. HB-801 ------$23.00 Between Love and Hate, A Guide to Civilized Divorce, by Lois Gold, M.S.W., 1992. Learn the When Parents Kidnap, by Geoffrey Greif and Rebecca fundamental skills of negotiation conflict resolution Hegar, 1993. This book captures the experiences of parents and mediation, for everyone’s good. searching for their children and abductors who have taken SB-604 ------Reg. $13.95 ✶Discount Price $6.00 them; also makes public policy recommendations. HB-902 ------$22.95 LEGAL ISSUES CHILD ABUSE NEW! Ashes to Ashes...Families to Dust, by Dean Tong, From Courtship to Courtroom: What 1996. False accusations of child abuse: A road map for Divorce Law Is Doing to Mariage, by survivors that helps to answer their questions. Jed H. Abraham, 2000. Abraham, a lawyer, SB-901 ------$15.95 mediator, and joint custody advocate, writes a chilling picture of how today’s divorce laws make life miserable for families. The Parental Alienation Syndrome, A SB-701 ------$15.00 guide for mental health and legal professionals, by Richard Gardner, M.D., 1995. An authorita- A Family Divided, by Robert Mendelson, tive work on the Parental Alienation Syndrome. 1997. A discussion of a divorced father’s SB-903 ------$35.00 struggle with the child custody industry. Children Held Hostage, Dealing with HB-703 ------Reg. $21.00 Programmed and Brainwashed Chil- ✶Discount Price $10.00 dren, by Stanley S. Clawar, Ph.D., C.C.S. and Brynne Rivlin, M.S.S., 1991. This book is approved by the Ameri- The Custody Revolution, by Richard can Bar Association. Warshak, 1992. The Father Factor and the SB-904 ------$50.00 Motherhood Mystique. HB-604 ------Reg. $21.00 ✶Discount Price $15.00 Recognizing Child Abuse, by Douglas Besharov, Ph.D., a resident scholar of the American Enterprise Institute. A Custody for Fathers, by Carleen and Michael Brennan, comprehensive guide to recognizing, preventing, and han- 1994. Includes more than 100 strategies that have dling child abuse and neglect. helped fathers win (share) custody of their children in SB-905 ------$12.00 a mom-biased system. ✶ HB-705 ------Reg. $24.95 Discount Price $12.00 The Book of David, How Preserving Families Can Divorce and the Myth of Lawyers, by Lenard Marlow, Cost Children’s Lives, by Richard Gelles, 1996. A con- J.D., 1992. The exposition of myths regarding the legal sys- vincing and dramatic book about the flaws of the child wel- tem and its effects on divorcing couples. fare system. HB-706 ------$10.95 HB-906 ------$23.00 The Abuse Excuse—And Other Cop-Outs, by noted PINS AND BUTTONS lawyer Alan Dershowitz, 1994. Sob stories and evasions of responsibility. The famous “Children First” HB-908 ------Reg. $23.00 ✶Discount Price $10.00 pin. 8 colors, with figures of seven children standing on a field of green with logo VIDEOS “Children First.” Two prongs. 3/4” high, 1-1/2” wide. Children: The Experts on Divorce, by Elizabeth P101 ------$8.00 Hickey, MSW 1994. The children speak from their own ex- perience of going through their parents’ divorce. A CRC- Button created by Patti Diroff that says award winning video prepared by CRC’s National Parent “Child support is more than a check, it’s Education Director. being a parent.” With CRC logo, including V101 ------$25.00 children’s faces. 4 colors, round, 2-1/4” di- ameter. Don’t Forget The Children, by the Dallas, Texas Asso- B202 ------$2.00 ciation of Young Lawyers. A CRC award-winning video that provides information on co-parenting in the event of divorce. T-SHIRTS V102 ------$20.00 CRC 4-color t-shirts say “Help Stop Crime, Give Children 2 Par- Psychotherapeutic & Legal Approaches To Paren- ents” Specify size: child S, M, L; tal Alienation Syndrome (PAS), by Richard A. Gardner, Adult S, M, L, XL. Specify color: M.D. An in-depth discussion of ways that parents can alien- white or blue. ate the child against the other parent. ------$10 adults, $8 children V103 ------$25.00 MUGS
REPORTS Each white ceramic mug says “Children’s Rights Council” and “The Best Parent is UPDATED 1997, Interference with Access (Visitation) as a Both Parents.” A Mark Roseman creation. Tort. Not a frequent remedy, but one that may be available. ------$8 each or two for $15. R101 ------$10.00 Add $2 for shipping first mug, $1 each ad- Send for a list of other reports. ditional mug.
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Page 22 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 11 CRC Interns Have Productive Summer
(l to r) Randall, Carnright, Blackwell, Chavez, Clavecillas (l to r) Bailey, Shark, Dorris, B. Gilmore and M. Gilmore
Maggiacomo (l to r)Yang and Gianotti CRC Office Manager Helps Interns
11 students from colleges all across Many students come to Washington • Tabitha Blackwell, a junior at the country signed up to be interns at every year; some sign up to work for a Campbell University in North CRC this summer. Congressmember of work for a public Carolina; Interns represent CRC on Capi- service agency such as CRC. Some • Connie Yang, University of tol Hill, where they discuss family law spend full time with CRC; others attend Pennsylvania. legislation with Congressional staff, a few classes in addition to the unpaid work on special projects like the press internship. • Amy Carnright, who enters her conference to present awards to 7 This summer was the first time CRC senior year at St. Joseph’s states (see elsewhere in this newslet- had an intern from a service academy — University in Philadelphia; ter), assist in fundraising projects, help Janee Gianotti, a cadet captain at the Air • Jennifer Randall came to CRC parents who call the office for help, Force Academy in Colorado. straight from a semester of study monitor the courts, do research on We had two law student interns, and internship for a member of children’s needs, and other projects. Melissa Dorris, University of Illinois Law parliament in London: she is a CRC has had about 200 college School, and Stephanie Shark, Temple junior at Notre Dame students over the years, some of whom University Law School. They worked on University in Indiana; sign up after seeing our year-round legal issues for CRC. request for interns on our internet site, Mike Gilmore, a student who is • Joy Clavecillas came to CRC www.gocrc.com blind, attends the University of Califor- after two years of study in Paris. CRC also obtains interns from nia at Davis. He interned with his brother She attends George three different Washington based or- Brian, who just graduated from high Washington University in ganizations, the Fund for American school. Washington, D.C. Studies, Washington Semester pro- Other summer interns: gram, and American University’s in- • Carol Bailey, who graduated in CRC Office Manager Julie tern program, that enlist students from June from the University of Maggiacomo, who has an M.A. in colleges. Washington; world politics, helped the interns.
Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 23 In the Courts
Maryland Can Use DNA the majority. educate their children without undue to Challenge Support The decision stems from three cases intervention by the state. This parental involving two men and three children— right is rooted in the Due Process Clause From the Washington Post, July 2, now in or entering their teens—the men of the Fourteenth Amendment. 2000—Maryland’s highest court has once acknowledged to have fathered. The Children’s Rights Council ruled that men who have legally acknowl- A Talbot County man, identified strongly supports the right of parents to edged fathering a child can challenge only as Tyrone W., entered a paternity be primarily responsible for their chil- those paternity agreements, even several agreement with his ex-girlfriend after she dren, but recognizes the unique contri- years later. Judges who dissented from gave birth in 1989. Though he did not butions grandparents play in their the court’s opinion predicted that it request a blood test, he believed he had grandchildren’s lives. could leave countless children “father- fathered her son, T.R., and agreed to pay This was the point we made on na- less and without support.” child support. tional media, including an appearance The hotly debated 4 to 3 decision But years later, the woman began on the Today show by CRC President by the state Court of Appeals marks dating another old boyfriend, and David L. Levy. Maryland’s entry into an area of law that Tyrone testified that she implied to him Some of the other points we made: is just now emerging across the country that someone else might be the father. * Oftentimes, grandparents are on as more people gain access to DNA In 1998, he sought to overturn the old the “wrong side” of a custody analysis, which can prove or disprove a paternity agreement, but the local courts battle, and get access cut off by the child’s parentage with almost 100 per- found that with no evidence of past fraud parent who wins custody. cent accuracy. or error, he had waited too long to re- Grandparents and parents must The judges ruled that blood or ge- quest new genetic tests of T.R., who was make special efforts to get along netic tests that can determine paternity then 9. for the sake of the child. must be ordered if requested by the men. * Sometimes, parents are angry The three dissenting judges and Grandparents Suffer because grandparents won’t buy some child advocates criticized the rul- Setback, But Still Have them a new house or make other ing, which they said neglected to consider Rights purchases. Grandparents, if you the “best interests of a child.” have the money, consider buying They said they fear it will inspire O’Connor wrote them the house. thousands of men to seek new tests in opinion striking * Try to stay out of court. Court is hopes of shirking long-standing child- not friendly to children or families. support orders. down Washing- Try to work things out amicably. “What this ton State law that If necessary, enlist the help of a opens up is a ques- “any person” can minister, pastor or rabbi. If that tion of paternity in seek access of a doesn’t work, obtain the services cases where it child of a mediator. Court is the last should have been resort. O’Connor resolved a long * Under the Supreme Court ruling, time ago,” said Grandparents suffered a legal set- even if a court grants grandparent Teresa Kaiser, ex- back, but have some rights to see their visitation, they must now take into ecutive director of grandchildren, the U.S. Supreme Court consideration the parents wishes Kaiser the state Child Sup- decided on June 5, 2000. more seriously than ever before. port Enforcement The court found Washington State This will indeed make it more Administration. “Many children who law, under which Jennifer and Gary difficult for grandparents to see think they have a father may end up not Troxel had standing to seek court-or- their grandchildren if the parents having one.” dered visitations with their grandchil- object. But a majority of the court argued dren, to be unconstitutional. that fairness and truth are paramount By a 6-3 vote, the court invalidated Background over “best interests” in any paternity pro- Washington’s broad law that gave “any ceedings, whenever they take place. person” standing to petition the court for Overview of “Simply stated, the fact of who the visitation rights to children at any time. Grandparent Laws father of a child is cannot be changed by The court said that the parents have the what might be in the best interest of the constitutional right to determine the best All 50 states have grandparent visita- child,” Judge Dale R. Cathell wrote for manner in which to raise, nurture, and tion statutes, most of them allowing a
Page 24 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 grandparent to petition a court for ac- vation of his relationship with his child swer, of course, is that both parents cess during separation and divorce, but derives from the fact that the parent’s (mom and dad) should share custody. some allow grandparents to petition for achievement of a rich and rewarding life The high court’s language could also access even for an intact marriage. Only is likely to depend significantly on his be used to justify greater involvement by 3 states (Washington, Alaska and Con- ability to participate in the rearing of his both parents in visitation cases. necticut) allow “any person” to petition children. A child’s corresponding right Note that the thrust of the decisions the court for access. During oral argu- to protection from interference in the appear to justify joint legal custody, but ment, Justice Antonin Scalia was con- relationship derives from the psychologi- one could argue that greater time spent cerned that a guitar teacher who is cut cal importance of him being raised by a with a child will naturally include more off from giving future lessons on the gui- loving, responsible, reliable adult.” decision making when the child is with tar to a child might petition the court to Further, the Supreme Court long ago that parent. allow such access. (CRC Note: such noted that a parent’s right to “the com- Also note that the high court does cases are extremely rare). panionship, care, custody and manage- not explicitly endorse joint custody, and The Minnesota statute that allows ment of his or her children” is an inter- some of the reference are to “parent” as grandparents visitation if in the best in- est “far more precious” than any prop- in “parent’s decision.” So don’t assume terest of the child, while not interfering erty right. May v. Anderson, 345 U.S. that joint custody for twotwo parents (which with the parent-child relationship, is an 528, 533, 73 S.Ct. 840, 843 (1952). is growing in popularity) will suddenly example of the more narrow verbiage in And, in Lassiter v.Department of be “easy” to get where it is not currently which many states constructed such laws. Social Services, 452 U.S. 18, 27, 102 popular just because of the court’s deci- It was the broadness of Washington’s law S.Ct. 2153, 2159-60 (1981), the Court sion. that caused it to be scrutinized under the stressed that the parent-child relationship It will take more education and in- Fourteenth Amendment. “is an important interest that ‘undeniably formation to the courts as to why the In one sense, the court’s ruling sug- warrants deference and, absent a pow- comments in court cases really do mean gests that every family be treated in a erful countervailing interest protection.’” joint custody. similar fashion—as though there are “par- quoting Stanley v. Illinois, 405 U.S. 645, These are the comments in the ents” to make decisions on who may 651, 92 S.Ct. 1208 (1972). The Court Troxel case we are referring to: have access to their children. The weak- summarily announced the trend toward “the interests of the parents in the ness in this belief falls where the ideal of constitutional protection of the parent- care, custody, and control of their chil- nuclear families is addressed. The child relationship in Carson v. Elrod, dren is the oldest of the fundamental lib- “nuclear family” has become an out- 411 F. Supp. 645, 649 (1976), stating erty interests recognized by this Court” dated stereotype. According to the U.S. “No bond is more precious and none (majority opinion by Justice Sandra Day Department of Commerce, in 1998, ap- should be more zealously protected by O’Connor); proximately 5.6%, or 4 million children the law as the bond between parent and “The Due Process Clause of the under the age of 18, lived with their child.” Fourteenth Amendment protects the grandparents. In changing times, each Properly evaluated and properly fundamental right of parents to make de- instance must be addressed on a case by quoted in future cases brought before cision concerning the care, custody, and case basis, the court said. anyany court involving a custody determi- control of their children”; nation, these statements and the future As a constitutionally protected liberty extension by the high court in the Troxel interest, the Due Process Clause does Implications for the case can be cited to justify more shared not permit a state to interfere with the parenting (joint custody). right of parents to make childrearing de- Future cisions “simply because a state judge believes a ‘better’ decision could be Court Possibly Raise Constitu- tional Arguments made; so long as a parent adequately Strengthens Shared cares for his or her children (i.e., is fit) Parenting Prospects on the Trial Level there will normally be no reason for the State to inject itself into the private realm In the grandparents’ visitation case, The quotes of the family to further question the abil- the U.S. Supreme Court appeared to would have to be ity of that parent to make decisions con- strengthen a long line of Supreme Court carefully used how- cerning the rearing of that parent’s chil- cases that uphold the right of parents to ever, and they dren.” make decisions concerning their chil- Oddenino would be most use- (Editor’s note: under this reasoning, dren. ful in “clean” cases, the state should automatically continue In earlier cases, such as Franz v. that is, in which there are two fit parents. the shared parenting (joint custody) the United States, 707 F.2d 582, 601 (D.C. In such cases, courts would ordinarily parents would have had during a mar- Cir. 1983), the Supreme Court recog- have a difficult time in choosing which nized that “a parent’s right to the preser- parent should obtain custody. The an- Continued on page 26
Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 25 Future Implications Continued from page 25
riage, unless there is reason for the state to interfere to protect a child). The Year 2000 is CRC’s 15th Anniversary Justice O’Connor cited precedence to support the Court’s decision that es- We appreciate everyone who has worked for children and CRC. We tablished as a cardinal rule that “the cus- thank all those who have enabled CRC to improve the lives of children and tody, care and nurture of the child re- families. So many have given so much, of their time, efforts, and financial side first in the parents, whose primary contributions. function and freedom include prepara- tion for obligations the state can neither For the year 2000, CRC has three new levels of support of CRC. They supply, nor hinder.” ares: . Parents have a fundamental right to * A PLATINUM LIFE MEMBER is one who donates $5,000 or more make decisions that affect their children, * A GOLD LIFE MEMBER is one who donates $2,500 to $4,999. and, acting under the traditional pre- * A SILVER LIFE MEMBER is one who donates $1,000 to $2,499. sumption that parents act in the best in- * A LIFE MEMBER is one who donates CRC $500 to $999. terests of their children, should be al- lowed to control the custodial arrange- Anyone who has contributed to CRC in the past may increase the dona- ment following separation or divorce. tion to reach any of the life member levels. If you are unsure about your CRC General Counsel Michael L. previous donation level, contact CRC, and we would be glad to let you know. Oddenino recommends that constitu- Thank you. tional arguments should be raised at the trial level, in order to protect them for possible appeal. Call for Poetry from Divorced Parents! For a copy of CRC’s model joint custody brief, contact CRC. Free to Mark Roseman, CRC Connecticut coordinator, is editing a volume of po- members; $10 to non-members for etry for publication next year. Send submissions to Mark at 48 Shepards Knoll P/H. Drive, Hamden, CT. 06514 or email him at [email protected]
Page 26 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 Research
Young Americans Affected by Divorce Rate, Want Sex, No Weddings Adapted from an article by Patrick Rizzo
(Reuters, June, 2000)—Romance and social health of marriage in the United cused more on themselves. marriage are out while casual sex and States, “The State of Our Unions 2000.” “There is a self-protective kind of low-commitment relationships are in Young people in America today, the response to what they see as the high among young Americans, researchers study said, are more concerned with hav- incidence of divorce,” she said. have found. ing fun and making money and less fo- One result of all this, the study said, “Today’s singles scene is not oriented cused on forming lasting relationships that is that many more young women see toward marriage, nor is it dedicated to lead to marriage and raising a family. single motherhood, which was once ta- romantic love as it has been in the past,” The report took note that young boo, as a viable option. said David Popenoe, co-director of the Americans: Although many women in their late National Marriage project and a sociol- • favor living together as a try-out for twenties had been looking for more com- ogy professor at Rutgers in New Jersey. marriage or as an alternative to mitment than the men in the study, they To be sure, young Americans today marriage; too have become more disenchanted did not invent the concept of “free love,” • have a fear of divorce; with the pool of prospective partners and such as existed during the 1960’s. The • see marriage (and divorce) as a the likelihood of finding a mate. Nearly difference, researchers said, is that young potential economic liability. half of the women in the study said they people today are more concerned with Oddly, however, most of the young considered unwed motherhood a so- economic and sexual self-gratification men and women who participated in the cially acceptable option if they could not than past generations. study expected someday to meet and find and marry the right man by their “They don’t really have pictures in marry somebody who fulfilled their emo- late thirties. their minds that the road they are walk- tional and spiritual needs. The problem, “We may be seeing a massive change ing along leads to having a family,” said researchers said, is that their current that would mean that romantic love and Barbara Dafoe Whitehead, co-author of mercenary mating habits do not easily courtship might be giving way to some- the report with Popenoe. lead to the fulfillment of that goal. thing altogether new. Or we may be in a The study gathered together “focus period of cultural cluelessness,” White- groups” of unmarried men and women High Incidence of Divorce head said. age 21 to 29, in five major metropolitan Among their Parents “Most societies have had a script and areas—northern New Jersey, Atlanta, young adults have been guided through Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles. Whitehead said the men and women that script. And now the script is being Most of the participants had some in the study, because of the high inci- so radically revised that nobody knows education beyond high school but not dence of divorce among their parents, what it is anymore. Or people have torn college degrees. The study was part of did not count on having lasting relation- it up,” Whitehead said. the project’s second annual report on the ships with each other. Instead, they fo- ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ Mediation, Moveaway National Child’s Day—June 4 Help Leslee Newman, J.D., who has been The U.S. Sen- because it was nestled between giving free consultations on move-away ate unanimously Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, issues to CRC members, is available for passed a resolu- where a Children’s Day ought to be! mediation consultations (at a fee). tion declaring the It is unclear whether President Leslee, who is a trained mediator, can be reached at 714-282-1515. Her hus- Graham first Sunday in Clinton issued a proclamation urging June, as “National Americans to celebrate Child’s Day band Don Smith, Ph.D., clinical psy- Child’s Day.” National Children’s Day on the first Sunday in June. chologist, is available for child custody is observed by many churches on the In the Congressional Record, May evaluations. Don’s number is 714-939- first Sunday in June. CRC and its chap- 24, 2000 issue, Graham thanked CRC 6678. ters supported the observance on that for its efforts in helping to convince Don and Leslee are both in Orange date, which this year fell on June 4, the Senate to pass the resolution. County, California, but can handle cases anywhere in the country. Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 27 Book Reviews
Dealing with Loss: Helping Your Children During and After Divorce Dr. Herman Frankel, M.D. Reviewed by CRC Staff
A 24-page guide- mourning. Grieving a loss is a normal healing process during and after a di- book. Individual cop- and healthy process, not a sign of ill- vorce, Dr. Frankel goes on to offer thirty ies $5 to Children’s ness. Children may experience such practical suggestions. The first 10 of Rights Council at emotions as self-blame, withdrawal, them are: 300 I Street NE, anxiety, rage, loneliness, depression and 1. Remember that your child is not Suite 401, Washing- more. They will experience a lack of your parent. Do not look to your ton, DC 20002- familiarity and family stability due to the children to fill that loss and need 4389. For informa- loss of ongoing contact with all of the for nurturing, but rather, tion about quantity family members. remember that you must continue orders imprinted with the name Suddenly every-day routines will be to nurture them. of your program or agency, contact Dr. changed and in many instances, the 2. Remember that your child is not Frankel at Divorcework Center, 1800 child might be placed in a new and un- your partner. SW First Avenue, Suite 510, Portland, familiar neighborhood and school. 3. Remember that your child is not OR 97201-5322. Hence, their support base of friends is your friend. When you need . no longer near. As a result, parents may someone to talk to, and your Elizabeth Hickey, MSW, CRC’s witness a decline in their child’s aca- partner is no longer there, Director of Parenting Education, de- demic performance as well. Although remember that you are the parent scribes this as a “beautifully written book- a trying experience, it is important to not the pal, and do not overlap let containing practical wisdom on how remember that children as well as adults these roles. to help yourself and your children have the capacity to recover from di- 4. Remember that your child is not through the challenges of a family loss. I vorce and be able to create a new chap- your representative. Your attorney highly recommend it to parents, step- ter in their lives. can help you maintain appropriate parents, and grandparents who are in the Dr. Frankel guides us through the communication. Do not use your position of supporting children through four categories of grief work done, re- child as a messenger. change and loss.” peatedly, by children (and parents) who 5. Take the initiative. Tell your deal effectively with the devastation of children what is happening. Dr. Frankel, divorce and, in the process, become 6. Decide on the purpose of the M.D., Director of stronger, wiser, healthier, and more lov- conversation. Tell your children the Divorcework ing. He reminds us that divorce ends the what they need to know, ask if they Center in Portland, marriage; it does not end the family. have any questions, ensure them Oregon and Ad- He shows us how to support our that it is not their fault and of your junct Professor at children in their efforts to understand continued love for them. Pacific University what they are losing, to experience and 7. Decide on the structure of the School of Profes- honor the emotions triggered by the loss, “telling the children” conversation. to live in the present as they take effec- Keep the conversation preferable Frankel sional Psychology, is a pediatrician whose tive action to memorialize the losses and short, but slow. After the work is devoted to protecting children the life transition they have experienced, conversation, transition to an from harm during and after divorce. and to address, in their own ways, the activity other than bedtime. Doctor Frankel’s extensive experience question, “What really matters to me and 8. Expect to answer the children’s with children, parents, and profession- to my family?” questions repeatedly, on their als led him to write this publication, The It is also important that parents at- schedule. Children grieve and re- booklet was awarded the Children’s tend to their children’s needs and remain grieve. Rights Council’s “1999 Kids First Award dedicated to their healing process. One 9. When you don’t know, say, “I of Excellence” after Dr. Frankel spoke basic concept to remember is that when don’t know.” at CRC’s 12th national conference. parents divorce, children want and need 10. Make sure the children To a child, divorce may be as trau- to accomplish these tasks in their own understand that their actions will matic as losing a loved one. The loss ex- way and at their own pace. To guide not affect the permanence of the perienced by the child leads to grief and parents in supporting their children’s divorce.
Page 28 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 Talking Back to Ritalin What Doctors Aren’t Telling You about Stimulants for Children Peter R. Breggin, M.D., Available from CRC Reviewed by CRC Staff 400 pages, hard- nary, unprecedented changes in the listening and complying to adult expec- back, $25, website: brain... We have very little information tations. How many of us suffered from http://about the long-term impact of treatment these ailments as children? While ex- www.agate.net~comcour with these drugs.” treme cases of rambunctious children in e-mail: Breggin’s book demonstrates the the classroom do exist, Ritalin should not [email protected] negative effects of Ritalin on toddlers. be used as an easy solution to a more His book highlights why the Drug En- complex issue. CRC is report- forcement Administration (DEA) is wor- When questioned as to the harmful ing on this subject ried about the number of children tak- effects of Ritalin, a leading advocate of because many par- ing Ritalin, the negative side effects of Ritalin has made the comment that other ents get “pushed Ritalin, how children feel about Ritalin, than “headaches, sleepiness in some away” and “forced and the empowerment of parents in re- people, lack of desire to eat,” all other away” from their lationships with children. adverse effects are “remote”. Dr. Breggin children during the The DEA has issued warnings about on the other hand emphasizes Ritalin’s divorce process, so the rates of Ritalin prescriptions in this adverse effects on the brain, behavior, Breggin they are unable to country. Questioning the tactics of and mental life. Other side effects in- provide the “on Ritalin’s manufacturer, the DEA raises clude: “subtle social withdrawal; dulled site” parenting that might provide alter- concern over the safety and efficacy of affect, emotional blunting; cognitive natives other than drugs for their chil- the drug. The DEA (1996) has made it ‘overfocusing’; mild to moderate depres- dren. Dr. Breggin was a speaker at clear that there is no known biological sion in children.” These are devastating CRC’s 12th national conference in Sep- cause for Attention Deficit-Hyperactiv- side effects that none of us should wish tember, 1999 ity Disorder (ADHD). to subject our children to. Studies show that the use of stimu- The DEA also warns that Ritalin use Children, just like adults, have stres- lants such as Ritalin and antidepressants “may be a risk factor for substance sors in their lives. Such stressors might are on the rise among toddlers. Accord- abuse” and “further provides a compre- include such things as the death of a pet, ing to a study from the University of hensive list of adverse effects”. arguments or separation of their parents, Maryland, School of Pharmacy, as many Without any actual physical test be- conflict with teachers, unsafe neighbor- as 1.5 percent of children age 2 to 4 are ing able to detect the supposed existence hoods, poverty and more. In order to receiving these drugs. The doctors are of ADHD, three basic categories are fix a problem, one must first realize what finding a quick and easy solution for a used to diagnose ADHD. The charac- the problem is. There is no proof that much deeper issue. In the February 23, teristics of a suspected ADHD child are Ritalin cures ADHD, as may have long- 2000 issue of The Washington Post, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention term negative side effects. Joseph T. Coyle of the Harvard Medi- problems. cal School in Boston sharply criticized According to Dr. Breggin, many of For more information on Dr. the growing use of stimulants and anti- these same children are accused of day- Breggin’s work go to www.breggin.com depressant drugs in preschool-age chil- dreaming in class, keeping a messy desk, and www.icspp.org dren. This age “is a time of extraordi- being excessively jittery or jumpy, trouble
National Cry for Children
Rally Saturday, November 4 at the will again emphasize that “entire genera- This is not a fathers rights rally. This Lincoln Memorial. Contact organizer tions are growing up not knowing the im- is a family rally.” Brad Ingram at [email protected] portance of families. They are learning David L. Levy is among those in- Like last year’s Cry for Children that two cars in the garage is more im- vited to speak at the rally. rally, this year’s events, says Ingram, portant than two parents in the home.
Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 29 National Affiliate Organizations and Chapters
CRC International Chapters Colorado 301/588-0262 New Jersey Council for Tennessee Mark Entrekin, coordinator website: http:// Children’s Rights David Courson, coordinator CRC of Great Britain CRC of Colorado www.members.tripod.com/ (NJCCR) CRC of Tennessee Tony and Christine Coe, 4715 Ranch Circle ~mdcrc/ P O Box 195 2120 Griffintown Road coordinators Colorado Springs, CO 80918- Old Bridge, NJ 08857-0195 White Bluff, TN 31708-5207 Children’s Rights Council of the 4118 Rob and Sandra Snow, chairs phone: 973/694-9323 phone and fax: 615/952-2498 United Kingdom phone: 719/548-8798 CRC of Greater Baltimore email and website: www.njccr.org email: [email protected] 38-40 Gloucester Road fax: 719/597-2218 2 West 39th Street London, SW7 4QU London, email: [email protected] Baltimore, MD 21218 New York Texas England phone and fax: 410/889-9404 Kim Boedecker-Frey, Diana Buffington, coordinator phone: 011-44-20 7589 9003 Connecticut email: [email protected] coordinator CRC of Texas fax: 011-44-20 7584 4230 Mark Roseman, coordinator CRC of New York 18959 North Dallas Parkway, email: [email protected] CRC of Connecticut Massachusetts 231 Main Street, Suite 1 #723 website: www.equalparenting.org 48 Shepards Knoll Drive Carolyn Brumber, coordinator Vestal, NY 13850 Dallas, TX 75287 Hamden, CT 06514 16 Union Street phone and fax 607/785-9338 phone: 214/485-1518 CRC of Japan phone: 203/288-7827 Holiston, MA 01746 fax: 214/630-1143 Walter Benda fax: 203/281-1425 phone: 508/429-5282 Thomas Thornton, president e-mail: P.O. Box 583 email: [email protected] e-mail: CRC of New York City [email protected] Max Meadows, VA 24360 [email protected] 499 Ft. Washington Avenue, website: 540/637-3576 Delaware #3D community.dallasnews.com/ email: [email protected] James A. Morning, president Stave Carrier, president New York, NY 10033 dmn/crctx and CRC of Delaware CRC of Massachusetts hotline: 212/431-7724 David Brian Thomas P O Box 1311 511 Main Street, P.O. Box 904 fax: 212/740-7008 Children’s Rights Coalition 4-18-15-903 Dover, DE 19901 Strubridge, mA 01566 email; [email protected] (affiliate) Kamiki Tazawa Setagaya-Ku 302/734-8522 phone:508/347-5960 P,.O. Box 12961 Tokyo, Japan 156 email: [email protected] Fax: 508/347-9870 North Carolina/South Carolina Capitol Station phone: 011-81-3-5317-6357 Email: [email protected] Fred Wall, Jr. coordinator Austin, TX 78711-2961 District of Columbia 509 N. Seventh Street fax: 215/499-8056 CRC of Sierra Leone Frank Banner, coordinator George Kelly, chairman Wilmington, NC 28401 email: [email protected] Yottro Kargbo CRC of the District of Columbia Concerned Fathers of 910/762-4952 3505 Covered Bridge Lane Hillcrest Children’s Center Massachusetts, Inc. email:[email protected] Vermont Woodbridge VA 22192 1325 “W” Street N.W. 3rd floor P O Box 2768 website: [email protected] Liz Wisda phone and fax: 703/897-7845 Washington, D.C. 20009 Springfield, MA 01101-2768 CRC of Vermont and phone: 202/232-6100 phone: 413/736-7432 Dan Carrigan, Director 14A Church Street Esther Kargbo fax: 202/483-4560 fax: 413/732-3867 Center for Children of Rutland, VT 05701 7 Sanai Abacha Street Separation and Divorce phone: 802/786-5920 Freetown, Sierra Leone Florida Michigan 4950 Park Road call the CRC office phone: 011-23-2-2222-8682 Kris Kline, coordinator Barbara Toth, coordinator Charlotte, NC 28209 CRC of Florida CRC of Michigan 704/522-1331 Virginia National Affiliate Organizations 355 Shore Drive P O Box 653 John Vaughan, president Ellenton, FL 34222 Edmore, MI 48829-0653 Ohio CRC of Virginia, Tidewater Mothers Without Custody phone: 813/635-0633 517/427-5774 Margaret Wuwert, coordinator chapter (MW/OC) fax: 813/620-9068 CRC of Ohio P O Box 3101 Jennifer Isham, coordinator email: [email protected] Minnesota 2745 Sagamore Road Williamsburg, VA 23187 website only: http: www/ Bruce Kaskubar, coordinator Toledo, OH 43606 phone: 757/249-0037 motherswithoutcustody.org Georgia CRC of Minnesota 419/472-1471 fax: 757/566-8667 Harry A. Prillaman, coordinator 5905 Chateau Road N.W. email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Stepfamily Association of CRC of Georgia Rochester, MN 55901 website: www.childrens-rights.org America (SAA) 808 Springharbor Court phone and fax: 507/289-5745 Or contact: Margorie Engel, president Woodstock, GA 30188-5509 (call before faxing) Kevin O’Brien Murray Steinberg, president Larry Kallemyn, Executive phone: 678/643-5924 email: P O Box 8805 CRC of Virginia, Richmond Director fax: 678/494-1931 [email protected] Cincinnati, OH 45208 chapter 650 J Street, Suite 205 email: [email protected] phone: 513/624-7223 9244 Royal Grant Drive Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 Missouri fax: 513/624-7223 Mechanicsville, VA 23116 402/477-7837 Illinois Scott Field, chair email: [email protected] phone: 804/559-7092 1-800/735-0329 Terry Cady, coordinator CRC of Eastern Missouri website: fax: 804/559-7092 Joint membership in SAA and CRC of Illinois P.O. Box 220661 [email protected] email: [email protected] CRC: $35.00 for the first year 905 Wayne Avenue Kirkwood, MO 63122 Deerfield, IL 60015 314/963-4668 Oregon Paul Robinson, president State Chapters phone 847/374-0461 alt. phones Larry 314/878-1262 Roy Nolan, coordinator Fathers United for Equal Rights fax 312/322-3553 Scott 314/838-7092 CRC of Oregon and Women’s Coalition Alabama email: [email protected] Mark Holdenried 314/772- P O Box 2095 P O Box 1323 contact CRC office 1169 Portland, OR 97208 Arlington, VA 22210-1323 Indiana email: phone: 503/232-8630 phone: 703/451-8580 Alaska contact CRC office [email protected] fax: 503/233-9390 fax: 703/451-9321 Gary Maxwell, coordinator website: http:// email: [email protected] CRC of Alaska Grandparent Rights in New hometown.aol.com/ Pennsylvania P.O. Box 92083 Strength (G.R.I.N.S.) crceasternmo/myhomepage/ Michael Nieland, M.D. Washington State Anchorage, AK 99509-2083 Kay and Ray Berryhill, co- index.html president Jamaica Filgo phone: 907/277-3980 directors CRC of Pittsburgh CRC of Washington fax: 907/276-3980 0689 CR 5 Karyn Stone, secretary-treasurer 460 S. Graham St. P.O. Box 222 email: [email protected] Corunna, IN 46730 CRC of Southwestern Missouri Pittsburgh, PA 15232 Arlington, WA 98223 phone: 219/281-2384 619 E. Silsby 412/361-3002 phone: 541/482-6881 Arizona Springfield, MO 65807- email: [email protected] Conrad Greene, coordinator Iowa - See Nebraska/Iowa 417/862-1592 Rita A. Jones, president CRC of Arizona email: Bill Clements, treasurer West Virginia P O Box 454 Kentucky [email protected] CRC of Philadelphia Ginger Thompson, Scottsdale, AZ 85252-0454 Kevin O’Brien, coordinator 2811 W. Queen Lane CRC of West Virginia phone: 480/970-5903 Ann Swango Nebraska/Iowa Philadelphia, PA 19129 109 North Arthur Drive fax: 480/970-5925 CRC of Kentucky Lyn and Bill Huerter, phone: 215/844-2372 Charleston, WV 25312 P O Box 74126 coordinators phone: 304/744-6534 California Dayton, KY 41074-0126 Kevin Boston, president Kurt Krusen fax: 304/744-8657 Patricia Gehlen, coordinator Phone and Fax: 513/624-7223 CRC of Nebraska CRC of Harrisburg/Capitol email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Email: CRC- P O Box 45387 Region Will Brown, president [email protected] Omaha, NE 68145-0387 15 Beaver Road Wisconsin email: w- 402/330-3353 (voice and fax) Camp Hill, PA 17011 contact CRC office [email protected] Maryland email: [email protected] phone: 717/763-0673 CRC of California Harvey Walden, coordinator website: www.htmp.net/oma fax: 717/763-7183 CRC General Counsel Michael P.O. Box 163801 CRC of Maryland L. Oddenino’s email address Sacramento, CA 95814-3700 417 Pershing Drive New Jersey South CarolinaSouth Carolina-see North is [email protected] His phone and fax: 916/635-2590 Silver Spring, MD 20910-4254 Eric Purason, president Carolina website is www.oanglaw.com
Page 30 Speak Out For Children Spring 2000 Thank you, Contributors!
Platinum Life Members (Contributors of $5,000 or more) Gold Life Members (Contributors of $2,500 to $4,999)
Anonymous Kamil Botros Anonymous Jonathan Goodson Stuart Cochran Danielle Thu Terry Cady Elliott Diamond Ronald K. Henry, J.D. Michael L. Oddenino, J.D. Donald Smith William A. Toto
Silver Life Members (Contributors of $1,000 to $2,499
Paul Alexander Piotr Blass David Dinn Gary Maxwell Lewis Sierra Asa Baber Robert Blumenthal Elliott Friedel, M.D. Ann Marini, M.D. John Siegmund, J.D. Don Bieniewicz Ralph and Frances Della O.T. and Lydia Green Steven Newell, M.D. Robert Thomas Joan Berkowitz Camera Colleen Johnson Abe Pollin David Birney Edward Davidian Bashir Koujacji Gary Santora, D.C.
Life Members (Contributors of $500 or more) Lou Adolph Wiley Dobbs Robert Heisley George R. McCasland Ruth Scheer Wally Babington Jennifer Dumas Michael Hirschensohn Marie T. McManmon William Schnellbaecher Travis Ballard, J.D. Ted Ell Philip Holman Paul Menchetti Brad D. Schultz John Bauserman, Sr. Robert Eisenbart Melvin Hotman Ritz Miller Mark Seymour Jeff Beal Family and Society Robert Kaleopaa Joseph Milling Peter Sokaris David Birney Institute Anna D. Keller Michael Nieland Michael Steele Sam Brunelli Hayden C. Fisbeck George Kelly Marc Orlick Charles and Donna Dennis C. Boytim Tommy Foster Paul LeBon PNC Mortgage Corp. of Stewart Thomas D. Cabot III Michael Friedman, M.D. Dennis J. Lewis America Robert K. Thomas Robert Carey Carla Goodwin The Levian Foundation, John Reynolds Andrew P. Ush Steve Chan Steven Glinski Inc. Elina Hum Pratt Cliff Clark Jonathan M. Goodson Israel Lichenstein Deborah R.Riggs Maureen Corbett Tom Greco, J.D., D.D.S. Nancy Luchs Jack L. Robinson Charles D. Deckard Thomas E. Harries Gary Markoff, M.D. Paul Robinson
CRC thanks all contributors who have joined, renewed their membership, contributed to CRC, or ordered materials from CRC from March 22, 2000 through June 30, 2000.
Juan Albino Allison Estin Casimir Jarski Joe Motacek Nora Renzulli Ari Arshadnia Karl Firmbach Robert Johnson Patricia Murphy John Richards Kevin Baggett Donald Forslund Dennis Johnson Michael Nieland, M.D. Douglas Ronnau Edward Barton Val Franz David Johnson William Oen Kathryn Rogers Steven Becker Julian Fraser Thomas Johnson Kevin O’Brien William Santi David Bell Michael Friedman Aldoren Kauzlarich Richard O’Neil Gregg Schaaf Rudolph Benda Ken Gallahan John & Carol Keane Lester Ostroy Ronald Schoen Melinda Blau Gail Galvin Andrew Kerber Allen Ostrowski Victor Simmons Will Brown Steven Gibbs Melissa Kerr Mr. & mrs. Louis Pearson David F. Smith Thoric Cederstrom Glenn Goodhand Paul Kirchmeier Don Perry Brenda Soners Cleve Clamp Donald Gordon Jason Krueger Linae Peters Paul Sparano William Clemens Joseph Gottesman, M.D. Kurt Krusen Jim Pierobon John Talerico James Cloyes Charles Gower Steven Kyle David T. Pitts Michael Tracy Robert Conklin Edward Gross Patrick Lacy Robert Prall Lamart O’Shay Watson Dan Cook Arnold Hardy Jeff Lapides Edward Quesada Don & Jodi Webb Wayne Covell Mickey Hayward Jeff Lynett Dana & Sharon Ramsey James Welenofsky Timothy Curley Fred Hayward Gary Markoff Charles Sheppard Searle Whitney Michael DaGrace Reginal Heisler Kathryn Marsh David F. Smith Rod Williams Ann Davis Chuck Herndon Richard Martin Paul Stroub Ross Williams Jonathon Dawson Julie & Don Hubin Michael Maye H. Lee Sullivan Sandra Williams Henry Elbert W.S. Hynes Danya McMurtrey Chris Thompson Robert Valentine Susan Elzey Beverly-Ann Hyde Daniel Mobit Laura Tokioka Spring 2000 Speak Out For Children Page 31 A NON-PROFIT, TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATION STRENGTHENING FAMILIES AND Non-Profit Organization ASSISTING CHILDREN OF SEPARATION AND DIVORCE U.S. Postage PAID Washington, D.C. Permit #881
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