octopus-momI thought I’d never write about or in anyway participate in the Octomom Madness that has swept the nation.

Recent events have proven me wrong, but I will speak of “her” only in the broader context of child protection and child labor laws.   As Parents we should be our childrens’ advocates in life and as Momagers and Popagers we should be our childrens advocates on any set, even if that “set” is our “new home…acquired by unknown means.”  Unfortunately, this is not always the case, hence  the necessity of the Coogan Law and the child advocacy organization A Minor Consideration, created by former Mouseketeer child actor, Paul Petersen.

As employees, children fall under the provisions of the Revised Coogan Law which came into effect in the year 2000, thanks to the efforts of A Minor Consideration’s members, the combined theatrical unions, and with the full support of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.  The vote was unanimous and the Bill was  signed into effect by the Governor. The main features of the Bill are these:

  • Children employed in the broadly defined entertainment industry now own the money they earn. Their income is their individual property.
  • All children must have a current State-Issued work permit.
  • A blocked Coogan Account must be in place for each child who works and a portion of their income, 15%, must be saved until the age of majority.
  • Infants below the age of six months may only work in two narrow time-windows…9:30 am to 11:30 am, and 2:30 pm until 4:30 pm…and must be attended by a welfare worker and a registered nurse…one each for every three infants under the age of six months.

Please read Paul Petersen’s full statement about his recent filing to protect the interests of a Southern Californian family of 13 children, all under the age of 8.