AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION RESOLUTION
ON CHILD CUSTODY

The Council of Representatives, the policy-making body,of the American Psychological Association (APA) at its January, 1977 meeting voted to oppose discrimination against men in custody and adoption cases. The text of the policy statement follows:

"Be it resolved that the Council of Representatives recognizes officially and makes suitable promulgation of the FACT that it is scientifically and psychologically baseless, as well as in violation of human rights to discriminate against men because of their sex in assignment of children's custody, in adoption, in the staffing of child-care services, in personnel practices providing for parental leave in relation to childbirth and emergencies involving children, and in similar laws and practices.

Further, it is recommended that suitable promulgation of the resolution (with paragraphs providing the rationale) include specific mailing to the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court in his capacity as the chief administrative officer of the Federal court system, to the presiding judges of the various state court systems, to the Attorney General of the United States and to the Attorneys General of the states".

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