Texas, Parental Rights, and the Expanding Power of the State
A recent opinion piece highlights concerns over child welfare investigations in Texas, emphasizing the need to balance child protection with parental rights. The aggressive state actions can erode constitutional protections, particularly when acting on…
When “Family Preservation” Becomes State Neglect
In Washington State, reforms intended to keep families intact may inadvertently leave vulnerable children at risk and offer less protection to parents. Critics argue that higher intervention thresholds compromise safety and accountability, leading to…
New Mexico Ends a Practice That Should Never Have Been Normal
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has banned children in state custody from sleeping overnight in government offices, addressing a serious failure in the child welfare system. This order emphasizes the state's responsibility to provide safe…
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,…
When the Court Helps Families Heal: Why West Virginia’s Family Treatment Courts Matter
West Virginia's Family Treatment Court program, crucial for helping parents with substance use disorders reunite with their children, faces funding challenges as federal grants expire. The Supreme Court requests $1.4 million to ensure its continuation…
Oregon Lawmaker Reintroduces Foster Youth Rights Bill After Gov. Kotek’s Veto
Oregon has reintroduced a foster youth “bill of rights” aimed at establishing standards for children in foster care, after a previous veto by Governor Kotek due to concerns over costs and feasibility. Supporters advocate for accountability, while critics…
THE IMAGE OF A PARENT: How America Learned to See Families Wrong
Project IMAGE addresses the pervasive cultural narratives around parenting in America, which often misrepresent fathers and mothers, affecting judicial outcomes and societal perception. The initiative aims to reshape these narratives by telling authentic…
Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future” Executive Order Signals a New Federal Push for Family Preservation and Accountability
The Executive Order introduced by First Lady Melania Trump signals a shift in child welfare policy, emphasizing family preservation, transparency, and support for youth aging out of foster care. It modernizes data systems, promotes kinship care, and…
The Constitutional Crisis No One Voted For
The family court system in America deviates from constitutional principles, operating without proper legal frameworks and standards. This unaccountable system harms families through arbitrary judgments, lack of transparency, and financial incentives.…
Government Failure at Its Worst: How Maryland’s Foster System Left a 16-Year-Old Girl to Die in a Hotel Room
On September 22, 2025, 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward was found dead in a Baltimore hotel, suspected to be from an overdose. Her tragic death highlights systemic failures in Maryland's foster care system, characterized by negligence, poor oversight, and…