“A person’s education starts in the home. Parents are in the driver’s seat, as they should be and always will be in Idaho. The Empowering Parents grants put families in control of their child’s education and helps set them up for success,” Governor Little said.
Parental Empowerment
Parental empowerment refers to the process of equipping parents with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to make informed decisions and actively participate in their child’s life.
When parents are empowered, they are better able to advocate for their children’s needs, engage in their education, promote their health and well-being, and nurture strong family relationships.
Research consistently shows that parental involvement positively impacts a child’s academic achievement, social skills, self-esteem, and overall success.
Moreover, parental empowerment strengthens the parent-child bond and fosters a positive and nurturing home environment. When parents feel empowered, they are more likely to communicate effectively, set clear boundaries, and implement positive parenting strategies.
In 2020, the pandemic pushed parents to look for alternative ways to meet the educational needs of their children. The empowering grants will address and provide support for the children who are at a risk of loosing their education.
Understanding Parental Rights in Idaho
Parental rights are fundamental to ensuring that parents have the authority and responsibility to make decisions concerning their children’s well-being and upbringing. In Idaho, there is a well-established legal framework that protects and upholds these rights.
The legal framework for parental rights in Idaho is primarily based on state laws, federal laws, and constitutional principles. It recognizes parents as the primary caregivers and decision-makers for their children. Some key aspects of the legal framework include:
1. Right to Custody
Parents have the legal right to have custody of their children, which means they have the responsibility and authority to care for them and make important decisions about their lives.
2. Right to Parenting Time
Idaho emphasizes the importance of maintaining a meaningful and ongoing relationship between children and both parents, even in cases of divorce or separation. Non-custodial parents typically have the right to parenting time or visitation with their children.
3. Presumption of Joint Custody
Idaho law presumes that joint custody, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities and parenting time, is in the best interest of the child, unless there are extenuating circumstances that would suggest otherwise.
4. Protection from Unlawful Child Removal
The legal framework protects children from being unlawfully taken or withheld from their parents without proper legal authorization.
Additionally, Idaho has specific laws that address parenting and children’s welfare;
- Parents in Idaho have the right to play an active role in their child’s education. They can choose between public schools, private schools, or homeschooling based on their preferences and the child’s needs. Idaho law supports parents’ right to be involved in their child’s education and collaborate with educators to promote academic success.
- Parents have the right to make medical decisions for their children, including consenting to medical treatments and procedures.
- Idaho recognizes the importance of parents’ participation in government processes concerning their children’s welfare. This may include being involved in child custody proceedings, adoption procedures, and other legal matters related to parental rights and responsibilities.
Empowering Parents Grants in Idaho
The empowering parents program provides eligible families with grant funds for use towards eligible education services and devices.
Eligible purchases include; computers and technology, internet access, tutoring services, instructional materials, and therapies through the approved vendors.
Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1255 putting $50 million towards the Empowering Parents grants. These grants are part of the plan of empowering families and education. The empowerment grants cover up to $1,000 per child or $3,000 per family.
Eligibility for the Idaho Parent’s Grants
Idaho students, from kindergarten to grade 12, are eligible regardless of whether they attend private, public or are homeschooled. The grant awards are prioritized based on the parent or guardian’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Most of these families’ annual income is $60,000 or less. Families earning more than $75,000 can still apply if money is still available.
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