Title: Associations between Parental Relocation Following Separation in Childhood and Maladjustment in Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Publication: Psychol Public Policy Law

Authors: Matthew M. Stevenson, William V. Fabricius, Sanford L. Braver, and Jeffrey T. Cookston

Link: https://doi.org/10.1037/law0000172 

Summary: This study examines the impact of long-distance separation between children and their biological fathers on various aspects of their development. The findings revealed that long-distance separation from biological fathers prior to age 12 was associated with behavior problems, anxiety, depression symptoms, and difficulties in relationships with all parental figures in adolescence and young adulthood. These associations remained significant even after controlling for various factors. The study replicates previous findings and highlights the policy implications for parental long-distance relocation following separation.

Family Reunion Comment: Long-distance separation between children and their biological fathers, as a result of parental relocation, can have significant negative effects on the children’s development. It shows that such separation is linked to behavior problems, anxiety, depression symptoms, and strained relationships with all parental figures. These effects persist into adolescence and young adulthood. 

Title: The Effects of Parental Absence on Children Development: Evidence from Left-Behind Children in China

Publication: Int J Environ Res Public Health

Authors: Mingzhi Mao, Lijun Zang, and Haifeng Zhang

Link: https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fijerph17186770 

Summary: This paper examines the impact of parental absence on the educational outcomes of left-behind children in China. The study finds that children who are left behind by their parents experience negative effects on their cognitive test scores, academic performance, and college attendance. The absence of the mother, in particular, has persistent negative effects on children’s development. Mechanism analyses suggest that parental absence may contribute to poorer mental well-being and reduced effort in class for these children. Interestingly, the study does not find evidence that exposure to other left-behind children in the classroom affects the in-school outcomes of children.

Family Reunion Comment: The article emphasizes the importance of parental care and involvement in early childhood for fostering children’s abilities and academic success. The findings underscore the need for interventions and support systems to mitigate the negative impact of parental absence on children’s development.

Title: KIDS v PARENTS: BEST INTERESTS IN BC’S REFORMED RELOCATION LAW

Publication: Dalhousie Journal of Legal Studies

Authors: Christine Parsons

Link: https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals/dalhou30&i=41 

Summary: This paper examines how British Columbia’s Family Law Act (FLA) prioritizes the best interests of the child in legal disputes over parenting arrangements, particularly in relocation cases. It argues that this emphasis on the child’s best interests may disproportionately affect custodial parents, who are mostly women, compared to non-custodial parents, who are mostly men. The paper discusses the impact on women’s rights and refers to recent relocation cases decided by the BC Court of Appeal. It suggests the need for reform to restore a better balance of parents’ interests and rights.

Family Reunion Comment: This paper highlights the potential unequal effects of British Columbia’s Family Law Act (FLA) on the interests of different parties in family law disputes, particularly in cases involving child relocation. It sheds light on how the FLA’s focus on the best interests of the child can place custodial parents, primarily women, at a disadvantage compared to non-custodial parents, primarily me

Title: ‘Will the one who keeps the children keep the house?’ Residential mobility after divorce by parenthood status and custody arrangements in France

Publication: Demographic Research

Authors: Giulia Ferrari, Carole Bonnet & Anne Solaz

Link: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26727003 

Summary: This study examines residential mobility patterns after divorce in France, with a focus on parental status and child custody arrangements. The objective is to understand the likelihood of moving, distance of the move, and changes in housing conditions. Using data from the French Permanent Demographic Sample, the study finds that women are more likely to move after divorce, although the gender gap is narrower for parents. Sole custody is associated with fewer moves for both sexes, while shared custody arrangements result in more moves for mothers compared to fathers. Parents tend to move closer to their previous joint home, particularly those with shared custody. While housing conditions do not necessarily deteriorate after separation, women often face disadvantages compared to men.

Family Reunion Comment: This study teaches us about the residential mobility patterns and housing conditions of individuals after divorce in France. It highlights that women are more likely to move after divorce, especially when they have shared custody arrangements. 

Title: Remain, leave, or return? Mothers’ location continuity after separation in Belgium

Publication: Demographic Research

Authors: Christine Schnor & Júlia Mikolai

Link: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26936789 

Summary: This study examines the post-separation location continuity of mothers in Belgium and investigates the role of socioeconomic resources and local ties in staying in or returning to their pre-separation neighborhood. The study finds that mothers who have strong local ties, such as living in their place of birth, are more likely to remain in or return to their pre-separation neighborhood or region. Additionally, mothers with greater socioeconomic resources are more likely to stay in the family home. On the other hand, mothers from disadvantaged backgrounds tend to move further and more frequently. The findings suggest that mothers who lack socioeconomic resources and local ties are at a higher risk of experiencing disrupted location continuity. The study emphasizes the importance of policy programs that target these women and provide support to enhance location continuity for separated mothers and their children.

Family Reunion Comment: This study teaches us that maintaining location continuity is crucial for separated mothers and their children after partnership dissolution. Policymakers should target interventions towards supporting separated mothers, especially those with fewer resources and weaker local ties, to provide better opportunities and support for them and their children.