Now that the Democrats are running DC and most of Lansing we need
to begin to communicate the need for DHS/CAPTA/VAWA/Title IV legislative
change. Looking at what has been proposed during the election we must
strike quickly to get our reform message in their ears. Obama's message of the
need for fathers and families needs to be directed towards legislative
changes that actually encourage the states to keep families intact and both
parents significantly involved with their children.
Here is Obama's site let him know what you think:
There is funding available and a drive by President Elect Obama to influence fatherhood so let's get busy.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The most important factor in a child's upbringing is whether the
child is brought up in a loving, healthy, supportive environment.
(2) Children who grow up with two parents are, on average, more likely
than their peers in single-parent homes to finish high school and be
economically self-sufficient.
(3) Father-child interaction, like mother-child interaction, has been
shown to promote the positive physical, social, emotional, and mental
development of children.
SEC. 107. STATE ASSESSMENTS OF BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL
SUPPORT OF CHILDREN.
(a) State Assessments and Reports- As a condition of the continued
approval of a State plan under part D of title IV of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 651 et seq.), each State with an approved such plan,
acting through the appropriate State agencies, shall assess the State
policies with respect to the issues described in subsection (b) and
submit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the
results of such assessment not later than March 15, 2008.
(b) (5) Identification of any other barriers to healthy family formation
or sustainable economic opportunity for custodial and noncustodial
parents that are created or exacerbated by Federal or State laws,
policies, or procedures, including an examination of the rules of
Federal and State means-tested programs, the operation of the State
workforce system, the availability of financial education services, and
the availability of domestic violence services and child support
procedures to help victims of domestic violence stay safe and obtain the
child support they are owed.
(c) Grants to States for Commissions on State Law Improvements in the
Best Interest of Children and Families- The Secretary of Health and
Human Services shall award grants to States to establish or support
commissions to review the State assessment conducted in accordance with
subsection (a) and to make recommendations on ways to improve State law
in the best interest of children and families.
Make sure that the Obama administration puts the money where their mouths are.
"The federal government spends $99.8 billion dollars every year on
programs - such as child support enforcement and anti-poverty efforts -
that support father-absent homes"
Darrick Scott-Farnsworth
Executive Director A Child's Right
2692097144
