A Rash of Parents Killing Their Children? Twenty-One Cases From 2025–2026 and What They Show
The article reveals a grim series of 21 filicide cases from January 2025 to September 2026, detailing parental violence against children in various states. Many families had prior contact with child welfare or mental health services, raising questions…
The Carve-Out Nobody Applied
Karyann Parkinson faced legal repercussions after allowing her five-year-old son to walk alone in their gated community, despite Virginia's 2023 "Reasonable Childhood Independence" law designed to protect such independence. The case highlights the law's…
The System’s Two Speeds: Maryland Moves Fast to Take Custody, Slow to Answer for It
Four Maryland cases reveal a troubling pattern: the state moves quickly to remove children from parents but far more slowly when government agencies or courts are held accountable.
The Force Multiplier
The family court system overlooks the specific needs of disabled children in custody disputes, failing to recognize how coercive control impacts their well-being. These children face heightened risks of abuse, and current legal reforms neglect their…
Now You Know, Pete
Pete Buttigieg shared a harrowing experience with Child Protective Services following a false allegation, emphasizing the emotional toll of such encounters. While he was quickly vindicated, he highlighted that many parents endure prolonged struggles…
Follow the money: how $1 billion in federal bonuses built an incentive to separate families
Since 1997, the federal government has allocated over $1 billion in adoption bonuses to states, with additional funding of $52 billion for the overall child welfare system. This financial structure favors permanent adoptions over family reunification,…
Father & Co. Is Launching the 2025 Family Court Experience Survey
Father & Co. is conducting an anonymous survey to gather firsthand experiences related to family courts and child custody in 2025. The survey aims to produce original data to enhance public understanding and inform policy discussions. Participants…
California Did This First: What Colorado’s New Custody Ruling Reveals About a Longstanding Legal Trend
The Colorado Court of Appeals' recent ruling allows for felony charges per child for violating custody orders, aligning with California's established laws that treat each child as a separate victim in custody cases. This raises concerns about increased…
Colorado Appeals Court: One Custody Order, Multiple Felonies—Per Child
The Colorado Court of Appeals' decision in People v. Wilson allows prosecutors to charge a separate felony for each child impacted by a custody violation, enhancing their leverage in child welfare cases. While supporters argue it protects children's…
“You Can’t Take Someone’s Children Without a Real Lawyer”: What New York’s Landmark Ruling Means for Parents Fighting for Their Families
The New York Court of Appeals' ruling in the Matter of Parker J. highlights the systemic failures of family courts that can unjustly sever parental rights. It asserts the necessity of effective legal representation, particularly for marginalized parents.…