Supreme Court Judge speaks on family crisis

Research shows one-third of American children are born to unwed mothers, 10 million houses in the country are headed by single mothers and fathers are continuously being ‘‘pushed even further into the margins of societies.’’

For Leah Sears, chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, it indicates an alarming trend.  ‘‘That’s why we must explore how the law ... can protect the promise marriage promises our children,’’ Sears said. ‘‘The reality is alarming numbers of children are growing up without a mother or a father in their homes.’’  Sears spoke Tuesday to a crowd gathered at the Chautauqua Institution as part of the Institution’s ‘‘Family: All of a Kind? All Different?’’ week.  Growing up, Sears said she was taught a family with a mother and a father was the proper way to live. However, she realized there could be ‘‘variations’’ as deaths and children born out of wedlock could occur.

‘‘Never in my wildest dreams did I perceive marriage ... would become almost adult-centered,’’ she said. ‘‘The staggering numbers indicate we are indeed at that point.’’  According to Ms. Sears, more public attention is needed on the issue. She said evidence she has observed in the courtroom, and from talking to lawyers, has helped her to see how a successful marriage can impact a child socially, emotionally and economically.  ‘‘All children deserve the support and care of not only their mothers, but their fathers as well,’’ Ms. Sears said. ‘‘A child-support check is important, but it cannot replace a loving father.’’

In Georgia, Ms. Sears said there are 25,000 youth in detention centers, while a large child population is in the care of child services. She said fractured families has a tremendous impact on a child’s well-being, and research has indicated a family with two parents in a low-conflict marriage works best.  ‘‘And the thing of it is Georgia is absolutely not unique in this respect,’’ she said. ‘‘We’re the only one’s who’ve decided to study it. This is why marriage matters.’’

Ms. Sears also said she started a commission to investigate methods of decreasing the state’s divorce rate.  ‘‘Before you have children, think first of finding a mate who is willing to commit to you and only you,’’ she said. ‘‘Marriage is the best child-welfare ... program we have and we must therefore protect is. This nation can do better. We must do better. What we do not know how to accomplish we must learn.’’

Alexander Gerould
5 July 2007

http://www.observertoday.com/articles.asp?articleID=14226

home / Previous feature