My View: Will 2019 bring Illinois’ children the gift of both parents?

By Matt Hale

Chicago and the great state of Illinois have always had a special relationship with children. Whether it’s laughing with Bozo, watching Michael Jordan’s amazing skills or listening to Kanye’s music, Chicago has given kids a lot over the years.

Now, the Windy City is poised to help give Illinois’ kids a gift that will change their lives forever: the gift of both parents. Illinois is very likely to become the second state to pass shared parenting which is equal time with both parents, if the parents are capable caregivers.

State Rep. Lashawn Ford from Chicago sponsored a shared parenting bill that was on the brink of passing last year. The bill has returned this year as HB 185 with even more support. The proposed legislation states “the involvement of each parent for equal time is presumptively in the children’s best interests.” There are multiple safeguards of course to make sure the parents are fit and capable caregivers. The bill would not automatically make all child custody equal time. Instead, shared parenting and joint custody are simply a starting point before reviewing “significant issues” that range from the parents’ proximity to their physical and mental health and much more.