Re: Signatures

From: Holly Elissa
Email: hollyelissab@comcast.net
Date: May 25, 2007

Comments

Many of us assume that the person who enrolls the child must have legal custody of the child.

A painful case in Massachussetts and Florida confronts that expectation.

In that case, Mom was given custody. Dad kidnapped the daughters, spirited them away to Florida, and told them Mom was dead. Dad raised the girls with changed names and a whole new life.

Mom, years later, tracked down her daughters. Dad was found guilty of kidnapping. Sadly, the daughters wanted nothing to do w/ their mom.

Do you feel you should ask for documentation that proves the enrolling parent is the legal custodian of the child?

Some programs require this. It's worth thinking about.

For sure, however, the enrolling parent needs to be reminded that the other parent may have the right to pick up the child. Unless the enrolling parent supplies legal documentation denying custody rights of the other parent, that other parent may be entitled to pick up the child. Ask the enrolling parent if s/he can supply a sole custody decree, current restraining order, and/or divorce decree stating sole custody. If s/he refuses or cannot supply this documentation, s/he needs to be advised:

"Under the laws of the state of ______, both parents may have the right to pick up the child, unless a court document restricts that right."

For a complete discussion of this, see my Child Care Exchange article: "At the end of the day", available from the Exchange, or on my website: hollyelissabruno.com