At one time or another, you might have wondered why there are numerous cases of child negligence, parental abuse and preventable deaths of young children. If such a thought has ever crossed your mind, then you probably have thought about the issue of parental licensing; where the individuals wishing to have a baby have to be given legal permission to do so. Well, this is mostly associated with the issue of foster parenting (Department of Human Services 1; Department of Children and Families 1). However, there is the need to look at the licensing of all parents, not only the foster parents. Of course, there are arguments for and against such a move.
The advantage of licensing all parents is that all the children would be well taken care of since they would be delivered in families or individuals that are ready to take care of them. As such, there would be reduced cases of child abuse, neglect or exploitation. They would grow up in a peaceful, loving environment (Levine 1). The main disadvantage of such a move, as seen by the opponents to the parent licensing campaign is seen as the infringement on the freedom of choice by the individuals. They do not see the reason as to why a woman should be licensed to give birth to a baby, something that should be very natural.
There are also the strengths and weaknesses of such a move. One of the greatest strengths is that parent licensing would make parents more accountable for their actions towards their children (DHS 1). As such, they would have an understanding that they cannot deal with their children just anyhow, since they are constantly under watch. They also understand that the license can be revoked and the children taken away from them even if they are biological children. Well, this would create a blanket cover which secures the rights of all children. After all, the main aim is to make sure that the children are well cared for (Childcare Resources 1). The only weakness is that it could be hard to coordinate such a plan. It so happens that at times people get unplanned pregnancies. There are also teen pregnancies which occur even before the teens themselves decide that they want children. It is unclear as to what would be done in such cases; whether the parents should be given the option to keep the child and get a rush licensing or the child should be taken by the state until the parent is ready to take care of them. Well, this can be a bit of an ambiguity.
Looking at the presented evidence, we can evaluate as to whether parent licensing is right or not. If the move is adopted, there would be reduced cases of child suffering as al the children would be placed in the hands of people who are ready to take good care of them. If, on the other hand, the move is rejected, the rates of child abuse and neglect could continue soaring. We all understand that children are innocent, helpless creatures who need to be cared for and nurtured. We also understand that all children have rights that need to be respected and looked into (Child Care Aware 1). Parent licensing would help in ensuring that this happens and all children have a happy, fulfilling upbringing under favorable environment. If you do not want a society that leaves loopholes for the abuse of children, then you should seriously think of the positive outcomes of parent licensing.
Works Cited
Childcare Aware. “Accreditation.” Child Care Aware, 2012. Web. 9th Nov. 2012, http://childcareaware.org/parents-and-guardians/parent-information/accreditation
Child Care Resources. “Licensed Child Care Choices.” Child Care Organization, 2012. Web. 9th Nov. 2012, http://www.childcare.org/families/licensed-choices_centers-homes.asp
Department of Children and Families. “You Can Make a Difference.” State of New Jersey, 2012. Web. 9th Nov. 2012, http://www.state.nj.us/njfosteradopt/foster/
DHS. “Child Foster Care Homes.” Michigan State Government, 2012. Web. 9th Nov. 2012, http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,4562,7-124-5455_27716_27720-53572--,00.html
Levince, Susan. “Do Prospective Parents Ned a License?” The Cheers Organization, 2012. Web. 9th Nov. 2012, http://www.thecheers.org/Opinion/article_1301_Do-Prospective-Parents-Need-A-License.html
