Wisconsin Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) introduced a poorly worded bill that has set the internet on fire with its implication that the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board should more forcefully emphasize that single parenthood is a contributing factor of child abuse.
Section 1. 48.982 (2) (g) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:
48.982 (2) (g) 2. Promote statewide educational and public awareness campaigns and materials for the purpose of developing public awareness of the problems of child abuse and neglect. In promoting those campaigns and materials, the board shall emphasize nonmarital parenthood as a contributing factor to child abuse and neglect.
Section 2. 48.982 (2) (g) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:
48.982 (2) (g) 4. Disseminate information about the problems of and methods of preventing child abuse and neglect to the public and to organizations concerned with those problems. In disseminating that information, the board shall emphasize nonmarital parenthood as a contributing factor to child abuse and neglect.
Despite sensational headlines all over the internet, I don’t think it’s necessarily this bill that is causing all the uproar. It’s poorly worded, yes, and probably going to prove to be ineffective. More abuse happens in single parent homes””I’m sorry, “nonmarital” families? Okay, fine. But what about those homes below the poverty line? Families dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues? These are all contributing factors as well, so where’s the emphasis on that?
But if you really want to get pissed about something, you must have missed Sen. Grothman’s 2011 paper, “How The United States and The State of Wisconsin Are Working to Encourage Single Motherhood and Discouraging Children in 2-Parent Families.” In it, he details the amount of benefits that single mothers can receive by way of the government, which he then compares with how much they can “gain” by getting married. I really beg you to read it in its entirety and let me see if your jaw doesn’t hit the floor. His recommendations? To restrict the type of food single moms can buy with food stamps (so they don’t buy “better” food than married parents), have them undergo mandatory drug testing before receiving benefits, and restrict what Section 8 apartments single mothers can live in (so they don’t live in nicer homes than married parents). Is this guy for real? He is.
He writes at the end of the report:
I think I’m going to let Denene Millner say it best:
BMWK family – let us know what you think.
Delielaw says
I read the article and what they are saying is outrageous. I am a single mom and I don’t believe we should live in the slums because we are single parents. Some of us are single parents because the relationship didn’t work out and/or didn’t lead to marriage. It is just ridiculous.
Rachediaross says
I just finished reading the article and I am outraged! I am SINGLE parent and i dont abuse noo do i neglect my kids. A parent is a parent reguardless if your single or not. there are alot of single parents who are not on state aide and dont get food stamps and there are a lot of married couples who are on state aide and recieve food stamps but you dont see him picking on them, now why is that? I think he needs to use his position to help those who need it instead of trying to make fools of us who break our backs to take care our childern whether were single parents or not.
Ancrib says
Once again we are putting everyone in the same pot! You can’t do that! Every situation is different, every reason for being a single parent is different. Instead of trying to punish someone for being a single parent, why not make a better way to help those that are single parents. Write a bill for that!
I get sick and tired of people looking down on single parents they all are not lazy, and trying to get over the government. Some of them want a spouse(someone who is right for not only them but the child(ren) too) You have no idea how much they go through every day and what they have to deal with.
It is not always by choice that they are a single parent. We need a better system of support and ideas. Sometimes, depending on the circumstance, being a single parent is safer and better for all involved. More abuse does not happen in single homes look into the history of how many families have dark secrets that go on for years! Those people you see on Dr. Phil and Oprah!
L.NicoleG says
Sadly I live in this state, and that is how a lot of people think here. There is so much institutional racism that goes on within the state offices and universities. I was a single for the largest part of my daughters life, and recently got married so we are a blended family with three kids. My husband was a single parent as well. We have very well adjusted happy children that are not abused and never have been. It’s horrible that people like this are in government offices, and they use politics to get away with their bigot views.
Ronnie_BMWK says
Denene said exactly what I was thinking. It is more important than ever that we all get out and vote in 2012.
Christina says
I’m a single parent. and it wasn’t by choice. I can’t help if my ex chose to be a deadbeat dad. However, this single mom has raised children who have graduated from high school. 2 are in college right now. They all have received honor rolls and students of the month through out the their school history. They also do community service at the church. And NEVER been in trouble with the law. Being a single mother is not easy…but it can be done… You can’t give up on your kids…just because the man walks out. There are plenty of abuse cases where there are children in a 2 parent home. You hear about it all the time….Obviously this man is some crackpot who has no idea of what it is like in the real world.
Mjonson says
Single parents – this is a very strong people! I have great respect for him!
Niambi says
This is clearly an attack on single parents. This article is blaming the single parents for something that is out of their control. No one desires to have children and choose to be single and they are clearly being penalized for this. They can not force the man to marry them and to stay with them, even if it is ideal and the best for them and the children. And I am pretty sure that they have atleast tried and things did not work out. If anything the persons who are single parents are even stronger because they generally have to take on the role of being both a mother and father to the children to the best of their abilities.
Niambi says
*sorry meant to say legislation*