NPO: Follow the Research... to Shared Parenting

Article here. Excerpt:

'“A broad consensus of accomplished researchers and practitioners agree that, in normal circumstances, the evidence supports shared residential arrangements for children under 4 years of age whose parents live apart from each other.”

It is rare that you have a single article that reports the consensus of such a large group of social scientists. The article, Social Science and Parenting Plans for Young Children: A Consensus Report, focuses on living arrangements for young children (under 4 years of age). The focus is on young children not because the research shows something different for older children but because opponents of shared residential arrangements have focused their attention on these cases, arguing that it is vital for the children to develop a strong bond with one parent and that requires a sole-custody/visitation living arrangement.

Richard A. Warshak, PhD, a prominent American clinical and research psychologist and author, prepared the draft of this consensus document. He is best known for his work on divorce, child custody, and parental alienation. The 110 endorsers are an international group of highly accomplished researchers and practitioners, including prominent representatives from the fields of early child development, clinical and forensic psychology, psychiatry, sociology, social work, and counseling.'