My three beautiful little girls, Rosa'Lina, Elena, and Ezra, were taken from our family and have since experienced maltreatment in a long-term foster home chosen by the department. They have been removed from that home without any information regarding their current whereabouts or the state of their well-being. This petition aims to shed light on the devastating consequences of family separation and advocate for the normalization of family reunification.

Family separation has become an increasingly prevalent issue in our society, causing immense harm to both children and parents. According to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), over 5,500 children were separated from their families at the United States-Mexico border between July 2017 and June 2018 alone. These separations often result in severe emotional trauma for children as they are abruptly torn away from their loved ones.

Research conducted by Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child indicates that prolonged separation from parents can lead to adverse effects on a child's brain development and overall well-being. The trauma experienced during these separations can have long-lasting impacts on a child's mental health, including increased risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Furthermore, studies have shown that when children are placed in foster care or other alternative arrangements due to family separation, they face higher rates of abuse or neglect compared to those who remain with their families under appropriate support systems. The National Coalition for Child Protection Reform reports that approximately one-third of children placed in foster care experience maltreatment while under state custody.

It is crucial for us as a society to recognize these alarming statistics and take immediate action towards stopping family separations while prioritizing family reunification whenever possible. We must ensure that every child has access to a safe environment within their own loving families.

By signing this petition, you are urging policymakers, child welfare agencies, and relevant authorities to:

1. Prioritize family reunification as the primary goal whenever it is safe and appropriate for the child's well-being. 
2. Implement comprehensive support systems for families in crisis, including access to mental health services, parenting education programs, and financial assistance.
3. Establish transparent procedures that guarantee regular communication between separated family members and provide updates on the well-being of children in foster care.  Enhance requirements necessary to be met in order to become a social worker to ensure childrens safety from exposure to multiple individuals who are to them, strangers. 
4. Conduct thorough background checks and continuous monitoring of foster homes to ensure the safety of children placed under state custody. 

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless families who have been torn apart by unjust separations. Let us stand united against family separation and advocate for policies that prioritize family reunification as a fundamental right.

Sign this petition today to stop family separation and normalize family reunification!

Thank you for your support,
Karrie Cancel