Signed Away
A Tampa Bay Times investigation reveals that many Hillsborough County families lose custody of children without legal representation or hearings. The report highlights over 300 cases where parents were pressured into temporary custody transfers. A…
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 Second Access Tax: How Family Court Privatized the Cost of Parenting
The article examines the concept of the "Access Tax" in American family court systems, highlighting how financial burdens are disproportionately placed on parents, particularly during custody disputes. Costs escalate due to systemic incentives benefiting…
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…
Federal foster care watchdog quietly rewrote the rules — then sent Maryland a smaller bill
A November 2025 letter from the Children's Bureau reversed a national foster care reimbursement policy, reducing Maryland’s disallowance by $16. Although the financial impact is minimal, the policy change affects all states seeking federal support. The…
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,…
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 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…