Glenn Grothman: wrong for targeting single parents.

This just in via Sen Jon Erpenbach.

Apparently Senator Grothman has given up on his dream of adopting.

MEMORANDUM

TO: All Legislators
FROM: Senator Glenn Grothman
DATE: February 16, 2012

RE: Co-sponsorship of LRB 3920/1 relating to: requiring the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board to emphasize parenthood as a contributing factor to child abuse and neglect.

DEADLINE: February 20, 2012

I have sat on the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board for many years. I have become frustrated that many problems that our society is facing and many proven reasons for child abuse and neglect are not being addressed by this board. Under current law the board must distribute information about the problems and methods of preventing child abuse and neglect to the public and other interested organizations. They are required to include information to emphasize the role of fathers as the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect. This bill would require the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board to emphasize nonmarital parenthood as a contributing factor to child abuse and neglect. This relationship has been shown by many studies, including the National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (attached). This study is put together by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a report to Congress on the issue. In this report it is clearly shown that unmarried parents, a single parent with a partner, or a single parent greatly increases the chances for abuse and neglect to children. This is an important aspect that the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board needs to address to keep current and future children safe in their homes. To co-sponsor this legislation, please contact Rachel Mattke in my office at (608) 266-7513 by 5:00 PM Monday, February 20, 2012.