Joined by representatives from PolicyLink and members of the Boys and Men of Color Alliance, state Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Culver City, Crenshaw District) is announcing plans to develop legislative and policy efforts that will strengthen the involvement of fathers in the lives of their children and families.
“Given the positive role that fathers can play in boosting educational and employment outcomes for their children, policy reforms are needed to incentivize responsible parenting and healthy relationships,” Mr. Ridley-Thomas said.
“This involvement will ensure that all Californians are able to participate fully and fairly in the state’s economic future”
Mr. Ridley-Thomas, serving his first full term, promised to convene a working group of stakeholders “interested in advancing parenting and family by supporting fathers.”
He seeks to develop five legislative proposals that will impact the well-being of fathers and families.
“This will be a data-driven, meticulous process,” Mr. Ridley-Thomas said.
“We hope to significantly impact the number of Californians who have well-equipped and supported fathers and husbands.
Tax, human services, education, and economic advancement are core policy areas in which we need to have either legislative or regulatory changes to best support the positive involvement of fathers,” said Mr. Ridley-Thomas.
“Since fathers are critical to California’s children, families, and overall economic and social well-being,” said Marc Philpart, director at PolicyLink, “the state must take meaningful steps to help fathers reach their full potential as parents.
“The first steps should focus on our most vulnerable fathers, low-income men of color.”
Too often, our government gets in the way of low-income fathers and mothers working together to support their children. Instead of being a divisive force, government should work to bring parents together and support healthy relationships that benefit their children.”
Mr. Ridley-Thomas is Chair of the Assembly’s Select Committee on Mental and Behavioral Health and the Committee on Elections and Redistricting.
Follow Mr. Ridley-Thomas on Twitter at @sridleythomas & Facebook at Sebastian Ridley-Thomas.
He may be contacted at http://asmdc.org/members/a54/