The Squeeze: When Two Broken Systems Land on the Same Parent
A recent federal memo rescinded restrictions on states disqualifying SNAP benefits for noncooperation with child support, potentially affecting struggling parents caught in enforcement gaps. This policy shift underscores systemic issues where child…
The Ledger Nobody Kept: What COVID-Era Guidance Did to Custody
The pandemic's impact on custody and family courts has been significant yet largely unquantified, as seen in the backlog of cases and the misuse of COVID-19 as a pretext in custody disputes. This situation was exacerbated by inconsistent court operations…
Same States, Two Standards: The Custody Enforcement Gap Guardianship Reform Exposed
The article compares how different states address custody enforcement for children when a parent faces immigration-related detainment or deportation. Some states, like D.C. and California, allow immediate guardianship without judicial oversight, while…
Child Welfare Selective Service
The article critiques politicians' lack of urgency in addressing family court issues that result in children being separated from fit parents while they express concern over immigration-related separations. It highlights the systemic dysfunction in…
The Closed Loop: How AFCC Captured Maryland’s Family Courts
Michael Phillips highlights a persistent issue in Maryland's family court system, where court-ordered communication through platforms like OurFamilyWizard fails due to lack of enforcement against non-compliant parents. This situation reveals a systematic…
The Slush Fund and the Sealed File
The article examines the parallels between the institutional protection mechanisms in Congress and family courts, highlighting how powerful figures evade accountability. It critiques Congress's rapid response to Eric Swalwell's misconduct allegations…
When Lawmakers Choose Judges: Why South Carolina’s Judicial Reform Fight Matters to Families
In South Carolina, judicial reform is a pressing issue, particularly for families navigating family court. The current system, where lawmakers elect judges with limited accountability, raises concerns about transparency and potential insider favoritism.…
Why Family Court Reform Can’t Keep Reporters in the Room
Family court coverage suffers due to journalists facing intense hostility from both institutions and advocates, leading to attrition. Reporting challenges, such as sealed records and backlash, discourage continued coverage. Advocates' demands for…
Trauma Is Not a Strategy: Why Family Court Reform Keeps Burning Its Own Leaders
Family court reform struggles due to trauma-driven dynamics that prioritize emotional intensity over strategic effectiveness. Pain and anger from survivors often lead to distrust, rejecting moderates or insiders who challenge views. Successful movements…
Why Family Court Reform Movements Keep Turning on Each Other
Family court reform faces significant internal strife among advocates, splitting into factions that distrust each other. Emotional trauma complicates unity, particularly around the contentious issue of parental alienation. Competing gender narratives and…