My 8-year-old son has been a victim of child abuse, suffered at the hands of his own father. Despite the father's arrest under the Leandra's Law, an unfortunate oversight by the Child Protective Services (CPS) meant that I was not informed in a timely manner. Even as we grapple with the aftermath of such trauma, our family has to deal with the unsettling fact that the attorney assigned for child  is justifying the abusive father in this case.

In New York State alone, the Department of Health reports that between October and December 2020 approximately 30,792 children suffered from some form of abuse or neglect, most often perpetrated by a parent. The current approach to protecting our children from such harm is simply not enough. Our situation is all too common, reflected in the painful experiences of countless families across the state of New York.

We are calling on the judicial system, CPS, and the broader public to demand fair judgement and necessary reform in cases of child abuse, particularly where violation of protective orders occurs. We are asking that greater care be taken to ensure effective communication between the CPS and concerned parents. Furthermore, we request unbiased and compassionate officials be appointed to cases involving the delicate issue of child  following such traumas.

Children deserve to grow in a safe environment, protected from any form of harm. Protect our children. Reform the system. Sign this petition to demand fair judgment for victims of child abuse and to ensure the implementation of protective orders.