A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION, declaring April 26^th to be shared parenting day.

WHEREAS, children are South Dakota's most important asset; and

WHEREAS, federal statistics indicate that children raised by one parent account for more than half of all teen suicides, juveniles in state-operated institutions, high school drop-outs, children in chemical abuse centers, prisoners, children who exhibit behavioral disorders, and homeless and runaway children; and

WHEREAS, shared parenting is an arrangement under which parents who are separated or divorced are given equal decision-making abilities and equal parenting time; and

WHEREAS, research indicates that children benefit greatly if they have a relationship with two parents who are fit caregivers; and

WHEREAS, shared parenting arrangements offer children the benefit of building solid relationships with both parents, provide parents with the opportunity to ensure the healthy mental, physical, and emotional development of their children, and create venues for parents to engage in positive collaborative efforts geared to the well-being of their children; and

WHEREAS, shared parenting arrangements recognize that even though the intimate relationship between the adults has ended, the familial relationships continue, and require nurturing and cultivation, in order to support healthy child development;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the Ninety-Seventh Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the Senate concurring therein, that in order to highlight the innumerable benefits of shared parenting, April 26th is declared to be shared parenting day in South Dakota.