4 years ago
It's the toughest part of a divorce, child custody. Especially when one parent's address changes. It can put thousands of miles between a child and his mom or dad. But some parents have found a solution to this emotional dilemma. They?re turning to technology and something called virtual visitation. All it takes is a keyboard, a web cam and a microphone and Charles Mason can visit with his 10-year-old daughter who lives 1600 miles from Virginia. ?I can watch her grow. I can watch her change. I can watch her experiment with her hair style,? he said. He can also help Arielle with her homework and even play games. ?The non-custodial parent has to mourn the loss of a child as if it was a death. The internet alleviates that,? he said.
David Levy is with the Children's Rights Council. He says virtual visits are no substitute for the real thing.
?We don't want to see even more moveaways justified on the basis, oh you can maintain computer contact,? he said. ?Kids are not virtual kids. Kids are real kids. Parents are not virtual parents. They are real parents.?
Arielle and her dad see each other in person four times a year. Both agree video conferencing can never replace a real hug, a real kiss goodnight. But it's certainly better than nothing or an occasional chat on the phone. ?I'll tell you right now, the telephone is boring. And with the telephone you can't see him. And with the computer it's more fun than just saying, hi, how's your day been,? Arielle said. Only two states have passed laws allowing for virtual visits: Utah and Wisconsin. Eighteen states have pending legislation, among them Maryland. Virginia legislators voted down a bill in the last legislative session.
Written By Samara Martin-Ewing 9 News
