My name is Elizabeth Springman and I am a proud Black woman who has tirelessly fought for kinship placement for my 14-year-old niece, currently under Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) care for 21 long months. Since 2024, I have been advocating for her to live with family, but have faced unjust opposition from the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. Shockingly, CASA has submitted false information to thwart my attempts and has favored a white placement over my kin. 

CASA wields significant influence in judicial decisions, a power they have misused, keeping me from effectively countering their misleading claims. This represents a flagrant abuse of authority that should not stand unchallenged. Washington State’s CASA/GAL program is failing the very children it purports to protect by prioritizing racial biases over the best interest of minority families.

According to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, children placed with relatives experience better stability, are less likely to face multiple placements, and maintain stronger family connections—outcomes integral to protecting their welfare. Despite these facts, the CASA program actively works against these benefits for minority kinship families.

Washington State annually funds the CASA/GAL program with millions of taxpayer dollars, yet they continue to perpetuate systemic biases by prioritizing white-centric placements over genuine kinship solutions. This not only undermines minority communities but also disrupts the lives of vulnerable children who deserve love and stability from their extended families.

It's time for reform: redirect funding away from biased systems and towards equitable, community-centric support programs that truly benefit all children regardless of racial background. By defunding this program, we can address these systemic problems and advocate for unbiased alternatives that respect and support kinship placements for minorities.

This is not just my battle; it is a call for justice and equality for all minority families facing similar struggles. Join me in demanding changes to the CASA/GAL program in Washington State. By doing so, we ensure that future generations of children are placed in safe, loving, and culturally supportive environments.

Sign this petition to urge Washington State to defund the current CASA/GAL program and invest in equitable solutions that truly reflect our diverse community’s needs. We must hold systems accountable and fight for the fair treatment of minority families and their right to keep family together.