Family Poverty is Not Neglect
Reforming state and federal laws to clarify that being poor is not a good reason for child protection authorities to intervene in family life.
Hidden Foster Care: Compelled Shadow Family Separations
Hidden Foster Care describes the practice of child protection agencies either separating children from their parents or placing restrictions on families without the involvement or approval of a court. Children are subjected to the trauma of family separation but there is no meaningful check on agency decision-making, leaving families deprived of supportive efforts to stay together or reunify. Even where a parent is truly unable to care for their child, hidden foster care deprives relatives of access to kinship stipends and supports.
Child Abuse Registries Harm Families and Exacerbate Child Poverty
While child abuse registries across the country are designed with the laudable goal of protecting children, due to inconsistent definitions and unaccountable practices, registries inflict lifelong harm on parents and caregivers with minimal oversight or due process.
Ending Anonymous Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting
Children who are safe at home should not be traumatized by unnecessary and disruptive investigations into their family life. Recent research shows that a staggering 53% of Black children will experience a CPS investigation in their lifetime. Single mothers are also disproportionately affected by hotline calls. Investigations can be initiated by anyone, including anonymous callers who have an agenda to cause harm to another parent.
Adoption and Safe Families Act
An ASFA Overhaul to Center Family Connections, Relief for Children of Incarcerated Parents, and our #stoptheclock Campaign.
