Media Release – National Child Support Conference – 29 January 2007

For immediate Release

Conference Calls for “Jayden’s Law”

Child Support Reformers from throughout the country met in Wellington last weekend.

The conference was focused on forming a nationwide network for reform as part of a strategy to build up a growing campaign for shared parenting and fair and reasonable child support culminating in a month of national awareness coinciding with the 2008 general election.

The conference endorsed with applause the proposal to work together to promote “Jayden’s Law” as the basis of this campaign.

“ Jayden Hedley is representative of kiwi kids who are totally failed by the current matrix of family law . Officials and Politicians have continued to allow this mess, a mess created by the legislation they put into law to. Parents have had enough. The only way to fix the problems with family law is to change the legislation and we are determined to do so.” Replied Mark Shipman, Conference spokesperson, when asked: Why is a law change needed?

“The solution is simple; let’s look at what might happen in a better world. It’s a New Zealand with the presumption of equal shared parenting, both parents Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) is the same, 50/50 equal shared parenting supported by a fair and reasonable child support system. That’s the essence of Jayden’s Law and that is what the escalating campaign is all about, producing the best outcomes for Kiwi Kids by bringing about legislative change. “Commented Mark when asked to sum up Jayden’s Law.

“Parents from throughout the country have spent a weekend working out a clear strategy for achieving implementation of Jayden’s Law. Presumptive Shared parenting and fair and reasonable Child Support is the 21st century solution for parenting post separation. “Concluded Mark

Key Points that make up Jayden’s Law

• Mediated (Free)
• Negotiated Agreement between parents.
• Presumption of equal shared parenting.
• Both parents BATNA (Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement) is the same 50/50 equal shared parenting supported by a fair and reasonable child support system.
• If a parent deliberately obstructed the child’s right to be parented by the other parent they will suffer the proscribed penalty.
• Proscribed penalty : A period of limited supervised contact with the children building back up over time subject to no further obstruction. Compulsory attendance at a Kids need Mum and Dad course run by parents.
• Counselling would be provided free of charge.
• Free access to services that may be needed for example drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Ends

For Further Comment Contact

Mark Shipman (021) 982222

Jim Nicolle (021) 800-586