Petition for Reforming Child Protective Services (CPS) in California

 

To: California State Legislature, Governor of California, and Department of Social Services

 

We, the undersigned, call for urgent reform of Child Protective Services (CPS) in California.

 

The Issue

 

Child Protective Services is tasked with protecting vulnerable children and supporting families in crisis. However, the system has repeatedly fallen short of its mission, often causing harm to the very families it aims to help. Families face unnecessary separations, inadequate oversight, and a lack of transparency, while social workers are overburdened and under-resourced.

 

Our Demands

 

We demand the following reforms to create a fairer, more transparent, and effective CPS system:

 

1. Transparency and Accountability

 

Implement independent oversight to monitor CPS decisions and actions.

 

Require all CPS hearings and processes to be recorded, with access provided to parents and legal counsel.

 

 

 

2. Family Preservation Focus

 

Prioritize in-home support services and alternatives to removal, such as counseling, parenting classes, and substance abuse treatment.

 

Limit unnecessary removals and ensure removals occur only in cases of clear, immediate danger to the child.

 

 

 

3. Social Worker Support and Training

 

Reduce caseloads to allow social workers to make informed, individualized decisions.

 

Provide comprehensive training on trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and family reunification practices.

 

 

 

4. Parental Rights Protections

 

Guarantee parents the right to legal representation from the outset of CPS involvement.

 

Ensure parents are informed of their rights and options during the CPS process.

 

 

 

5. Better Outcomes for Children in Foster Care

 

Increase resources for foster families to improve the quality of care.

 

Monitor and address cases where children linger in the system without clear plans for permanency.

 

 

 

 

Why It Matters

 

The current CPS system disproportionately impacts low-income families and communities of color, perpetuating cycles of trauma and poverty. By reforming CPS, California can ensure children are truly protected while preserving and supporting families whenever possible.

 

Call to Action

 

We, the undersigned, urge California lawmakers to act immediately to pass legislation implementing these reforms. Every child deserves safety and stability, and every family deserves fair and compassionate.

Sign this petition and join us in demanding a better future for California’s children and families.