We live in a society where we need a license to drive, to start a business, and even to fish. But when it comes to raising our future generation, anyone has control of that. We obtain licenses to ensure that we are preparing ourselves for what is to come, why don’t we do the same to prepare ourselves for raising a child? I propose the implication of a parenting license to ensure future parents are prepared and ensure the success of a child. The “Secure Adequate Parenting License” or “SAP” for short, will consist of five major requirements that individuals must meet before having a child.
First, individuals seeking a license must be of mature age. In accordance with each state on the definition of mature age, SAP has chosen to define mature …show more content…
The individuals must have a high school diploma at minimal and can not currently be enrolled at a university, to ensure the parent has time for the child. A parent’s education, as summarized by Carly Seifert, has been proven to have a positive effect on children’s self-perception of their academic abilities, their attitude towards learning, and the amount of behavioral problems that may hinder their learning experiences.
Third, individuals must pass a background test and have no past involvement with violence or abuse. If the individuals meet the age and education requirement, they will then have a background test to ensure the individual is being truthful and doesn’t have a threatening criminal record.
Fourth, individuals seeking a license must have financial stability and the capability to have all the resources to care for a child. They must have a stable job that has a constant annual income of at least $50,000 (little less than the median household income for 2014 according to the U.S. Census Bureau). Individuals must have a house and be financial equipped to provide for necessary items such as a crib, car seat, diapers, and etc. Parents are projected to spend $241,080 to raise a child born in 2012 till the age of 17, according to USDA Report. Quality health care, prenatal and postnatal care, safe housing, and life insurance are important factors when choosing to raise a …show more content…
We owe it to children to protect them at all cost, but unfortunately I’m not sure this would be tangible. In order for this service to run, the government would raise taxes to provide funds for salaries and for parenting classes and would require more work from social services. I would have to say that I don’t think it would be ethical to place a child in foster care because their parent does not reach the education or salary level. Perhaps in order to resolve this ethical issue the requirements for SAP could be lower and pertain to more of the quality of care the parent can give. The requirement based off age, education, salary could be evoked and still keep the pledge and parenting course requirement. If parents refuse to take pledge, their child will be taken away for the protection of the child. If parents refuse to take parenting course, they will be required to pay a fine. Removing the requirements of age, education, and financial stability will save many children from foster care. The research article by Jack C. Westman titled “The Rationale and Feasibility of Licensing Parents” is in full support of the implementation and enforcement of a parenting license. Westman believed to truly reduce violence, crime, and welfare dependency in the U.S., we must reduce the parental neglect and abuse of children. He believed by setting parenting standards through licensing, he would protect
First, individuals seeking a license must be of mature age. In accordance with each state on the definition of mature age, SAP has chosen to define mature …show more content…
The individuals must have a high school diploma at minimal and can not currently be enrolled at a university, to ensure the parent has time for the child. A parent’s education, as summarized by Carly Seifert, has been proven to have a positive effect on children’s self-perception of their academic abilities, their attitude towards learning, and the amount of behavioral problems that may hinder their learning experiences.
Third, individuals must pass a background test and have no past involvement with violence or abuse. If the individuals meet the age and education requirement, they will then have a background test to ensure the individual is being truthful and doesn’t have a threatening criminal record.
Fourth, individuals seeking a license must have financial stability and the capability to have all the resources to care for a child. They must have a stable job that has a constant annual income of at least $50,000 (little less than the median household income for 2014 according to the U.S. Census Bureau). Individuals must have a house and be financial equipped to provide for necessary items such as a crib, car seat, diapers, and etc. Parents are projected to spend $241,080 to raise a child born in 2012 till the age of 17, according to USDA Report. Quality health care, prenatal and postnatal care, safe housing, and life insurance are important factors when choosing to raise a …show more content…
We owe it to children to protect them at all cost, but unfortunately I’m not sure this would be tangible. In order for this service to run, the government would raise taxes to provide funds for salaries and for parenting classes and would require more work from social services. I would have to say that I don’t think it would be ethical to place a child in foster care because their parent does not reach the education or salary level. Perhaps in order to resolve this ethical issue the requirements for SAP could be lower and pertain to more of the quality of care the parent can give. The requirement based off age, education, salary could be evoked and still keep the pledge and parenting course requirement. If parents refuse to take pledge, their child will be taken away for the protection of the child. If parents refuse to take parenting course, they will be required to pay a fine. Removing the requirements of age, education, and financial stability will save many children from foster care. The research article by Jack C. Westman titled “The Rationale and Feasibility of Licensing Parents” is in full support of the implementation and enforcement of a parenting license. Westman believed to truly reduce violence, crime, and welfare dependency in the U.S., we must reduce the parental neglect and abuse of children. He believed by setting parenting standards through licensing, he would protect