Dear Mr. Lautenschlager:
Thank you for expressing your views about child custody. I appreciate your concern that fathers in separated families may face unfair and counter-productive barriers to fulfilling their parental role.
Positive parent involvement is key to any child's success. The
American Psychological Association (APA) press release of March
24, 2002 states that children in joint custody arrangements had less behavior and emotional problems, higher self-esteem, better family relations, and better school performance than children in sole custody arrangements. These results apply except in cases where one parent is abusive or neglectful or has a serious mental or physical health problem.
Issues of child custody are normally under the jurisdiction of state and local governments. I urge you to share your views with your state representatives. They can be reached at the addresses below.
Senator Kevin Coughlin
Room 137, First Floor
(614) 466-4823
Representative Bob Otterman
10th Floor
Columbus, OH43215
(614) 644-6037
Thank you again for contacting me.
Sincerely,
SHERROD BROWN
Member of Congress
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