23 Dec Several Key Events in 2018
A Review of Several Key Events in 2018
January: ALFRA facilitated the introduction of bipartisan and pro-family legislation.
- Bipartisan, pro-family legislation was introduced in both the Alabama Senate (10 sponsors) and House of Representatives (36 sponsors). The Children’s Equal Access Act aims to maximize a child’s time with both parents during a divorce or separation.
March: The Children’s Equal Access Act passed the Senate for the first time since 2011.
- The Children’s Equal Access Act, legislation passed in the Senate, but stalled in the House prior to the end of the 2018 legislative session.
- While this may be disappointing to many, we consider this year’s legislative efforts very productive.
- The legislative process is challenging and requires dedicated advocates throughout the year. We thank everyone that participated in calling and emailing the legislators this last legislative session.
April: ALFRA encouraged the entire state of Alabama to participate in “Parental Alienation Awareness Day/Prevention Week”.
State executive and local branches of government signed proclamations calling on community and state leaders to support shared parenting because of its benefits for children.
- The Governor and more than sixty (60) Alabama mayors proclaimed April 22–28, 2018 as Parental Alienation Prevention Week and April 25, 2018 as Parental Alienation Awareness “Bubbles For Love” Day.
- In honor of all suffering children, over 25 individual Parental Alienation Awareness “Bubbles For Love” events were hosted throughout the state of Alabama.
- The largest Parental Alienation Awareness “Bubbles For Love” event was during the Birmingham Barons baseball pre-game ceremony. Activities included distribution of 3,000 bottles of soap bubbles, and blowing of Bubbles For Love during a musical tribute by recording artist and songwriter, C. LaFaye.
September: ALFRA encouraged the entire state of Alabama to participate in this year’s “Family Day/Week”.
State executive and local branches of government signed proclamations calling on community and state leaders to support shared parenting because of its benefits for children.
- The Governor and sixty-seven (67) Alabama mayors proclaimed September 24, 2018 as Family Day and September 23 through September 29, 2018 as Family Week.
September 28TH: ALFRA developed and hosted our 4th CLE/CEUs for the legal community and social workers.
- Fifty-nine individuals earned credits for attending “The Best Interest of the Child and Family Law” seminar in Pelham, Alabama.
- Speakers included: Lara Alvis, Judge – Shelby County Circuit Court and Hon. Bill Lewis, Judge – Elmore, Autauga, and Chilton Counties Circuit Court; Attorneys Austin Burdick, Melissa Isaak, Jeremy McIntire, and Meredith Carpenter.
November: ALFRA facilitated the introduction of Resolution 2 to the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
- The Alabama Baptist State Convention (representing the largest Christian population in the state) passed Resolution 2, acknowledging that children have a God-given right to be loved and supported by both parents and their extended families; and that both fathers and mothers play a vital role in giving their children the best possible start in life; and that children who lack a consistent presence of both parents suffer both in the long and short term.
On behalf of the entire ALFRA family, I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season and a wonderful start to the New Year. We look forward to continuing the good work together in 2019!
Sincerely,
Kenneth Paschal
State President
Alabama Family Rights Association
US Army First Sergeant, Retired
View PDF of “A Review of Several Key Events in 2018” here.
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