No child should fear losing a parent, without substantive applicable findings, if the family arrives in family court.

No parent should fear losing a child, without substantive applicable findings, if the family arrives in family court.

We believe that no child should be removed from a parent without the appropriate court finding substantive cause regarding the child themselves.

Please help protect young children everywhere escape losing their parents and guardians to reckless family court overreach removing them from their guardians care without substantive findings of cause specific to children.

In the past year, millions of parents and guardians have encountered the cold, unyielding bureaucracy of our legal system. It doesn't just strip parents of their rights but also deprives children of the love, care, and guidance they deserve from their parents. 

Recent research illustrates the devastating impact of separating a young child from their parents for extended periods. According to the American Psychological Association, this separation could lead to significant social, emotional, and psychological issues later in life. Furthermore, evidence from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reveals that children in foster care face a greater risk of substance use, teen pregnancy, and low academic achievement, compared to their peers who remain in the custody of their biological parents.

We urge our legal system to ensure parents and guardians aren't denied their rights without substantive evidence or cause, and children aren't unnecessarily stripped away from their families. We believe in due process and the righteousness of our legal system. Yet, we implore it to behave more prudently in these sensitive cases, for recklessness can lead to a different form of abuse.

For all the children disconnected from their parents based on unsubstantial findings specific to the children, we ask you to raise your voice. Sign this petition to hold courts accountable through the democratic process and raise public awareness surrounding the impact of undue custody cases.

Children Deserve Parents stands united to launch an impactful movement that champions families and advocates for accountability in family courts. Our mission is to protect the invaluable parent-child bond by addressing the alarming overreach of the family court system. We are especially aware of the danger this places on low-income, at-risk, and underrepresented communities who often lack the resources to defend their relationships with their children against the arbitrary decisions of detached judges and lawyers. Together, we will raise our voices for awareness and justice for the future of our children!

Family courts have a critical responsibility to prioritize the best interests of the child and ensure their safety; however, it is essential that any decisions to remove children or impose court orders are grounded in clear evidence of endangerment. This requirement not only protects the rights of loving parents but also ensures that actions taken by the court are justified and based on substantive observations of domestic violence or harm, preventing unnecessary disruptions to the parent-child bond.

Disrupting the child-parent bond by court action, without clear and immediate safety concerns for the child themselves, undermines crucial trust and can severely hinder a child's emotional development, potentially inflicting long-lasting psychological harm. The integrity of this relationship is essential for a child's well-being, and interventions should be approached with the utmost caution, prioritizing the child's stability and mental health.

Any assertion equating the person submitting a motion to the court with the children involved—without established proof of their involvement—constitutes a tenuous and potentially harmful legal maneuver highlighting serious concerns about due process and fairness in judicial proceedings. Such a conflation undermines the integrity of the legal system and can lead to unjust ramifications, necessitating strict adherence to established legal standards and principles to prevent misconduct in the interpretation and application of law.

Forcibly removing children from their parents can lead to numerous harms, including emotional trauma resulting from separation; disruption of attachment bonds, which can affect their social and emotional development; feelings of abandonment or rejection; increased risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression; difficulties in forming new relationships; educational setbacks; exposure to instability in foster care placements; and long-term challenges in trust and security. Additionally, these children may face stigmatization, loss of cultural identity, and a lack of continuity in their lives, which can hinder their overall well-being and development.

Safeguarding the relationship between parent and child against the potential machinations of family courts involves implementing measures that prioritize the best interests of the child, ensuring fair legal processes, and promoting conflict resolution strategies. It is crucial to provide resources and support systems for families that encourage cooperation and communication, minimizing adversarial approaches that can harm familial bonds. Additionally, ongoing training for legal professionals and judges on the psychological impacts of family court proceedings can help create a more empathetic and supportive environment for both parents and children.

This petition seeks to highlight the importance of safeguarding family bonds by advocating for policies and practices that prevent the unwarranted separation of children from their parents, especially in situations where there is no clear indication of a risk to the child's safety. By fostering awareness and holding accountable those involved in child welfare decisions, we aim to create a system that prioritizes family unity while ensuring the well-being of children.