A children's activist group has renewed calls for legislation on parental custody to be revamped in favour of shared parenting to help stem negative effects on children.

ChildWatch, issued the plea while inviting the public to attend its final seminar for the year, happening tonight, titled "The Missing Years".

Taking place at St. Theresa's Hall, on Laffan Street, from 7 to 9 p.m. with light refreshments served from 6.30 to 7 p.m., organisers are calling it the first seminar of its kind.

Teenagers and young adults will be featured on a panel and will testify to the adverse effects they have suffered after being forced to grow up separated from one of their parents.

"The public should come out and hear what's going on," said Edward Tavares, the group's co-founder and treasurer. "This will feature young adults and youths who will be speaking to how they feel."

ChildWatch was co-founded by Mr. Tavares, 51, and Eddie Fisher, 57, roughly ten years ago primarily to protest alleged preferential treatment in the courts, which the group claims supports women as preferred parents.

Recently, the group has shifted from focusing squarely on father's rights to the welfare of the child and the family.

Mr. Fisher, who serves as president, said: "We are expecting quite a large turnout, a lot of politicians. Also, we invite ladies to attend the seminar too, so they can air their grievances."

He added he fields phone calls regularly from distressed mothers who have had their children taken away by Child Protective Services and offers the group's help wherever possible.

ChildWatch has called on politicians and others in power to enact similar laws to that of Denmark which recently enacted laws that put parental control in both parents' hands.

Mr. Tavares predicted: "I feel that similar change in Bermuda is very near — everywhere in the world they're talking about shared parenting; Australia, Italy, a few US states and more countries to come.

"In my heart I believe that's the way to go because it is what is needed."

ChildWatch plans to hold similar seminars next month but has not decided on a date yet. They are also asking for the public's help with funds and other resources to help make future programmes possible.

For more information log onto www.childwatch.bm or contact Edward Tavares at 334-8060 or Eddie Fisher at 234-2858.