Wednesday, April 04, 2018
First 'Free-Range' Parenting Law Passes In Utah
On the aplus.com website, Lindsay Geller reported on this:
"On March 23, Utah became the first state to legalize 'free-range' parenting, a controversial style of child rearing in which 'parents allow their children to move about without constant adult supervision, aimed at instilling independence and self-reliance,' according to Dictionary.com.
Signed into law by Republican Gov. Gary Herbert following the state House and Senate's unanimous approval, the 'free-range kids' bill is considered to be the first legislation of its kind in the United States and will take effect in May.
The key measure in the bill was its redefinition of 'neglect' in Utah law, which now allows children to participate in some unsupervised activities without their parents being charged, a state representative told ABC News. The bill's sponsors did not define an age limit, leaving it 'purposely open-ended so police and prosecutors can work on a case-by-case basis' if they suspect legitimate abuse or neglect, according to The Associated Press."
