Prepare Yourself to Speak
In Virginia's courtrooms, unaccompanied children often represent themselves due to a lack of legal counsel, especially highlighted after a federal contract lapsed, increasing their vulnerability in immigration and family courts. Both systems inadequately…
The Alienation Shortcut
When abuse records and alienation claims collide, courts have to decide what evidence matters. New laws are trying to force judges to review the record — but almost nobody reviews the judges.
The Child Gets a Microphone. Who Controls the Room?
New Jersey's revised custody statute, under Kayden's Law, emphasizes children's expressed preferences in custody arrangements and mandates judicial documentation when such preferences are overlooked. However, it does not guarantee that children will be…
When “Parental Rights” Stop Protecting Families—and Start Endangering Children
The Texas Supreme Court case, In the Interest of K.N. et al., raises critical questions about parental rights versus child protection. Activists argue for limited state intervention until proven harm occurs, which risks neglecting children’s safety.…
When the Courts Catch Up: The Reckoning Over Medical Decisions Made for Children
A California jury awarded $2 million to Fox Varian, finding malpractice in a double mastectomy performed at 16. This ruling has catalyzed a national debate over minors' medical consent, scrutinizing the responsibilities of professionals and institutions.…
When the System Steps Back, Children Can Still Fall Through
A new essay highlights a crisis in New York's Family Court system regarding children exposed to domestic violence. Many fail to receive necessary support due to a system that prioritizes adult disputes over child welfare. Advocates call for independent,…
We Just Marked World Children’s Day — And Children’s Grief Awareness Day. America Failed Both.
World Children's Day and Children's Grief Awareness Day highlight the ongoing issues faced by children in America, including violation of their rights and unacknowledged grief due to systemic failures. Each child deserves protection, stability, and…