Shared Parenting Day is an annual United States observance on April 26th in several states to promote the active involvement of both parents in raising their children following divorce or separation. The day was first established in Kentucky in 2019, coinciding with the state's landmark shared parenting legislation, and has since been recognized by other states.
History
editShared Parenting Day was first observed in Kentucky in 2019,[1] following the passage of Kentucky House Bill 528 (H.B. 528) in 2018.[2] This groundbreaking law created a rebuttable presumption that equal shared parenting time and decision-making by both parents is in the child's best interest, making Kentucky the first state to pass such legislation.[3] The observance of April 26th was chosen to commemorate the signing of this bill by Governor Matt Bevin on April 26, 2018.[2][4][5] The initiative for Shared Parenting Day was led by Matt Hale, a board member of the National Parents Organization (NPO), who also designated yellow as the day's official color to symbolize family reunification.[5]
Recognition by other states
editFollowing Kentucky's lead, Missouri became the second state to recognize Shared Parenting Day in 2020, with advocacy from Linda Reutzel of the National Parents Organization.[6] Arizona and Massachusetts followed in 2021,[6] and South Dakota in 2022.[7] The city of El Paso, Texas, also observes the day, and in 2022, Maryland joined the list of states officially recognizing April 26th as Shared Parenting Day.[6]
In 2023, Wisconsin proposed a resolution to proclaim Shared Parenting Day, though it did not pass. Despite this, the movement continues to grow, with advocates pushing for recognition in additional states. Later in February 2024, the resolution was passed by the members of the Wisconsin Legislature proclaiming April 26 as Shared Parenting Day.[8]
Significance
editShared Parenting Day raises awareness about the benefits of shared parenting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong relationships between children and both parents post-separation. The day also advocates for legislative changes to make shared parenting the default in custody arrangements.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Hancock, Matt (May 24, 2019). "Shared Parenting Day a time of celebration for Kentucky's children". Courier Journal. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
- ^ a b "18RS HB 528". apps.legislature.ky.gov. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
- ^ Rogers, Alexis (May 15, 2018). "New Kentucky law pushes for equal parenting time after divorce". WLWT. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
- ^ Adkins, Rachel (August 26, 2018). "Shared parenting law well-received". The Daily Independent. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
- ^ a b "Kentucky becomes first US state to have Shared Parenting Day". Andrew Henderson. May 30, 2019. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Fathers' Rights Bills Progressing on Shared Parenting Day". Cordell & Cordell. April 25, 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
- ^ "South Dakota HCR6003 | 2022 | Regular Session". LegiScan. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
- ^ "Wisconsin Legislature: SJR122: Joint Resolution Text". docs.legis.wisconsin.gov. Retrieved September 7, 2024.