The delicacies of Child Custody in The Mountain State West Virginia
Children are the most precious commodity that the United States of America has and they are definitely the future of West Virginia. In the ever changing posture of the American culture, child custody does not seem to get the attention it merits. In the whirlwind of the 21st century child custody and care seem to be moving toward a much more liberal basis than the old time conservative methods of child rearing, custody and care. Which method is better, or are they the same? Time keeps on ticking into the future, but good parental values seem to stay in a positive stagnant stance, no matter the parental component. Have values changed in child custody from the days of common custody of children, either being in a “father, mother environment” from the days of the past or the ability for same sex marriages to adopt children and place them in their “custody?” How about the ever growing single parent community?
According to WEST VIRGINIA CODECHAPTER 48. DOMESTIC RELATIONS.
ARTICLE 20. UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT.
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. §48-20-101. (b) And (c) And (D) stating the following
(b) “Child” means an individual who has not attained eighteen years of age. (c) “Child custody determination” means a judgment, decree or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody or visitation with respect to a child. The term includes a permanent, temporary, initial and modification order. The term does not include an order relating to child support or other monetary obligation of an individual. (d) “Child custody proceeding” means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody or visitation with respect to a child is an issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights and protection from domestic violence in which the issue may appear. The term does not include a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation or enforcement under part 20-301.[1] The rules governing child custody in West Virginia do not approach the concept of same sex parents or single parents. Judges always try to ensure that the “best interest of the child” is adhered to in determining custody, not mentioning the component of the custodial make-up.
Many children are raised in the “conventional” nuclear family, but are in a very bad situation, as indicated in a related story out of Marion county West Virginia; “State Police have arrested a Marion County couple who will face child abuse charges in both Harrison and Marion counties. The West Virginia State Police Crimes against Children Unit arrested Shawn Devericks and charged him with child neglect causing risk of injury and for child abuse causing bodily injury. State police also arrested his wife, Michelle Devericks, and charged her with child abuse causing bodily injury and child neglect with risk of injury.
Sgt. Adam Scott said the couple went to pick up their 5-year-old child from a babysitter in Harrison County when Michelle Devericks held the child down and Shawn Devericks beat the child’s bare skin so badly that it left marks on her body. Sgt. Scott said the mother also bit the child on the back, which left bite marks. Both Michelle and Shawn Devericks are being held in the North Central Regional Jail on $50,000 bail.”[2]
In moving from the conventional nuclear family to a more nontraditional family unit single parents, same sex adoptions, grandparental parenting the needs and safety seem to be of a more concern than the nuclear family setting no matter the cost. There was a time when it was taboo for anyone except a nuclear family to have and raise children. Single mothers were frowned upon unless widowed. Single father’s well they did not exist for the most part, and same sex parents was unheard of in the not so distant past.
“The media likes to emphasize the negative effects of single parenting on kids, from economic hardships to abandonment-related trust issues. But what about the positive effects of being raised by a single parent? In the midst of raising your kids on your own, you might not think of your situation as a bonus, but there are some overwhelmingly positive effects of single parenting that deserve attention. Kids raised by single parents tend to: Develop Stronger Bonds, Spending quality one-on-one time with your kids allows you to develop a unique bond that may actually be stronger than it would have been if you were not a single parent. Certainly this is true for many custodial parents, but it’s also true for a number of non-custodial parents who have the opportunity to play a unique role in their kids’ lives. Your connection with your children won’t end when they turn 18; the bond will continue to evolve into your children’s adult years. Experience Authentic Community We’re all familiar with the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child.” Kids raised in single parent families are often surrounded by a village of supporters, literally. In many cases, members of the extended family will step up and play a significant role in the children’s lives. And single parents who don’t live near family may choose to participate in community groups—including single parent support groups, churches, and synagogues—which champion the entire family. Share Responsibilities Children raised in single parent families don’t just have “token” chores to do in order to earn an allowance. Instead, their contribution to the entire family system is necessary. A genuine need for their assistance helps your kids recognize the value of their contribution and take pride in their own work.
Praise your kids for helping out around the home. Let them know you recognize their efforts. Expect them to contribute and be specific when asking them to help out. Learn How to Handle Adversity Children in single parent families witness conflict mediation skills in action. They get to see their parents working hard—despite their differences—to collaborate and work together effectively. In addition, the kids are forced to deal with their own disappointments early in life. Learn How to Juggle Competing Priorities Children who are raised in successful single parent families know that they are the main priority in their parents’ lives, yet they are not treated as though they are the center of everyone’s universe. This healthy approach helps to prepare kids for the “real world.”[3]
In concluding the topic of the delicacies of child custody in the great state of West Virginia, Children are our states and countries number one commodity and the delicacies’ of the old fashioned nuclear family “no matter the cost” are outdated and being replaced by more conventional parenting and custody, where the welfare of the child is the most important factor in the placement of the child. The most important factor in child custody is love. If a child is loved they will be nurtured creating a better child, better adult and more importantly better person. Many biological parents do not fulfill the love quota needed to raise a child, but alternative peoples may be better suited to have custody of the child, even though they are considered nonconventional in nature.
[1] WEST VIRGINIA CODECHAPTER 48. DOMESTIC RELATIONS.ARTICLE 20. UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT
[2] http://www.wvalways.com/story/18965207/state-police-arrest-marion-county-couple-on-child-abuse-charges
[3] http://singleparents.about.com/od/familyrelationships/tp/raised_single.htm
