Free-range parenting
.....and other child welfare news this week.
When I was a young lad, I spent many hours wandering unsupervised across our family farm. That was nothing compared to my older siblings — my mother put them (aged 5, 8, and 10) on the bus alone to go visit our aunt in Montgomery. Today, parents are more cautious, and child protection agencies often caution that leaving a child unsupervised could result in an allegation of “lack of supervision.” But at what age can a child be left alone? In Georgia, for example, DFCS policy gives the following guidance:
Children (8) eight years or younger should not be left alone;
Children between the ages of (9) nine years and (12) twelve years, based on level of maturity, may be left alone for brief (less than two hours) periods of time; and
Children (13) thirteen years and older, who are at an adequate level of maturity, may be left alone and may perform the role of babysitter, as authorized by the parent, for up to twelve hours.
But there’s a “free-range parenting” movement across the country to loosen some of these restrictions. Led by Lenore Skenazy, the journalist who wrote about letting her 9-year old daughter take the subway alone, these advocates emphasize that “overprotective” parenting creates children who are less inquisitive, less curious, and more afraid of the outside world.
The movement is having some success in convincing legislators, as well. In Illinois, a bill would lower from 14 to 12 the age at which parents can leave a child unattended. The advocacy organization “Let Grow” has drafted a model statute encouraging “reasonable independence for children.” Essentially, the legislation would bar a finding of neglect for a parent who allows his or her child to (1) travel to and from school and parks unattended; (2) remain at home alone for a reasonable amount of time; or (3) remain in the car alone while the parent shops, so long as it’s not too hot or cold. It’s been adopted in Oklahoma and versions of it are being considered in South Carolina, Colorado, and Nebraska.
In other news of the week:
In the ongoing litigation over Texas’ child welfare system, a federal judge has given the state 90 days to address the lack of mental health resources for children in care. I read the most recent federal monitors’ report (so you don’t have to), and I have to wonder whether the court’s being realistic. Texas has a significant problem of children with significant trauma and mental health issues for whom there are no adequate treatment options. That’s unfortunately a nationwide problem: e.g., California, Oregon, and Rhode Island. You can also read about the issue here.
Michigan’s foster care population has declined from 19,000 to 10,000 since 2008.
Advocates in Floria seeking $40 million in funding for additional case managers to bring down caseloads there.
The Washington Post reports on a Jewish couple who are suing because a private Christian child welfare agency wouldn’t accept them as potential adoptive parents.
Governor Sununu defends his state’s child welfare system, slamming the Massachusetts juvenile court for sending Harmony Montgomery across state lines without an ICPC. Question: Does ICPC apply to placement with a parent?
That’s all there is! Please let me know if y’all have any ideas for stories or news items.