Reform the family court system to protect children
The Issue
Growing up, I faced countless challenges due to the failures of the family court system. Despite countless pleas for help and endless documentation of my biological mother's harmful behavior, including substance abuse and repeated violations of court orders, the system repeatedly failed to protect me. Despite my clarity in writing about my experiences and the risks involved, the courts continued to prioritize biological ties over my safety and well-being. My mother had frequent run-ins with the police, with multiple visits every month, and she often subjected me to verbal abuse. I am not alone. Many children are trapped in similar situations, where the courts enforce proximity to parents who are neither safe nor nurturing. In doing so, the courts are upholding a system that endangers children and undermines their mental and emotional well-being.
The time has come to reform the family court system, ensuring it prioritizes the safety and well-being of children over preserving biological family connections at any cost. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, children who are raised in violent homes suffer abuse or neglect at a rate three times higher than the national average. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for change.
We urge policymakers, legal professionals, and child protective services to:
1. Reevaluate criteria and procedures for determining custody and visitation rights, prioritizing children's safety over biological connections.
2. Implement mandatory training for judges and court staff on recognizing signs of abuse and understanding the complexities of domestic violence and substance abuse.
3. Establish child advocacy centers that provide neutral spaces for children to express their experiences without pressure or fear.
4. Increase funding for mental health services for children and families undergoing custody evaluations or disputes.
By signing this petition, we demand a family court system that truly protects and prioritizes the needs of children, offering them a safer and more nurturing environment to grow. Join us in urging our leaders to take immediate action for meaningful reform.
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The Issue
Growing up, I faced countless challenges due to the failures of the family court system. Despite countless pleas for help and endless documentation of my biological mother's harmful behavior, including substance abuse and repeated violations of court orders, the system repeatedly failed to protect me. Despite my clarity in writing about my experiences and the risks involved, the courts continued to prioritize biological ties over my safety and well-being. My mother had frequent run-ins with the police, with multiple visits every month, and she often subjected me to verbal abuse. I am not alone. Many children are trapped in similar situations, where the courts enforce proximity to parents who are neither safe nor nurturing. In doing so, the courts are upholding a system that endangers children and undermines their mental and emotional well-being.
The time has come to reform the family court system, ensuring it prioritizes the safety and well-being of children over preserving biological family connections at any cost. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, children who are raised in violent homes suffer abuse or neglect at a rate three times higher than the national average. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for change.
We urge policymakers, legal professionals, and child protective services to:
1. Reevaluate criteria and procedures for determining custody and visitation rights, prioritizing children's safety over biological connections.
2. Implement mandatory training for judges and court staff on recognizing signs of abuse and understanding the complexities of domestic violence and substance abuse.
3. Establish child advocacy centers that provide neutral spaces for children to express their experiences without pressure or fear.
4. Increase funding for mental health services for children and families undergoing custody evaluations or disputes.
By signing this petition, we demand a family court system that truly protects and prioritizes the needs of children, offering them a safer and more nurturing environment to grow. Join us in urging our leaders to take immediate action for meaningful reform.
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Petition created on June 25, 2026