Warshak

Scientific consensus on divorced parents sharing the overnight care of their very young children

A fresh review of the literature around children’s attachment to their parents strengthens the case for equal shared parenting in cases of separation and divorce when children are involved.

This consensus report was prepared by Richard A. Warshak, Ph.D., a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. It was analyzed by an international group of 110 top experts in early child development, parent-child relationships, and divorce. These 110 experts have endorsed the final conclusions and recommendations, and the report, “Social Science and Parenting Plans for Young Children: A Consensus Report,” has been published in the Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, a journal of the American Psychological Association.

The experts are united in their concern that flawed science is leading to parenting plans and custody decisions that harm children and their parents. “This report should provide strong direction for policy guidelines and decision-making,” says Warshak.

What is so significant about the findings in this new report?

“Just as we encourage shared parenting in two-parent homes,” Warshak said, “the evidence shows that shared parenting should be the norm for children of all ages, including sharing the overnight care for very young children.” In his press release, Warshak notes: “To maximize children’s chances of having long lasting relationships and secure attachments to each parent, Warshak’s consensus report encourages both parents after their separation to maximize the time they spend with their children, including the sharing of overnight parenting time.”

A Private Member’s Bill, C-560, proposes to amend Canada’s Divorce Act to require a rebuttable presumption for equal shared parenting, except in cases of proven neglect or abuse. The Bill, introduced by MP Maurice Vellacott (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin) has gone to second reading in Canada’s federal parliament.

“There is already substantial evidence that children should ordinarily be raised by both parents even in cases of separation and divorce,” said Vellacott. “The best interests of the child ordinarily include equal shared parenting. Canadian law needs to catch up with the science, and my bill, C-560, will be an important step in that direction.”

As Warshak’s press release states: “Warshak, referencing accepted research of the past 45 years, objects to the idea that children under four, and some say under six, need to spend nearly all their time with only one parent and cannot handle being apart from that parent even if they receive loving and attentive care from the other parent. Prohibitions or warnings against infants and toddlers spending overnight time in their father’s care are inconsistent with our current understanding of child development, says Warshak. Babies and toddlers need parents who respond consistently, affectionately, and sensitively to their needs.”

For a complete copy of the report, “Social Science and Parenting Plans for Young Children: A Consensus Report,” download here, or directly from “Psychology, Public Policy, and Law” a journal of the American Psychological Association.

http://www.canadianepc.org/files/Warshak-Social Science and Parenting Plans for Young Children.pdf