My name is Melissa Strawn and I am a mother to five wonderful sons. Three years ago, we fled domestic violence and sought refuge in Weed, California, where we've built a new life. My children have been thriving—they're excelling in school, making the honor roll, and participating in football and baseball. However, our stable family life is now at risk due to a series of decisions made by Judge Rampersad, our assigned judge for the dissolution case.

Recently, our family was hit by a wave of illness, starting with mononucleosis and escalating to me contracting pneumonia. This unfortunate series of events occurred just when I was supposed to attend my divorce trial. Despite filing motions to postpone the trial due to my health condition, the judge proceeded without my presence. Shockingly, Judge Rampersad granted full custody of my children to an adjudicated abuser, someone the legal system has already identified as a danger to my family.

This is not just about my family. This is a matter of child safety and justice in King County, WA. A single judicial officer should not have the power to make such a life-altering decision without further scrutiny. It is crucial that when a ruling can potentially cause harm to children, there should be an immediate review by an objective judicial officer. Every decision must ensure that the safety of children is prioritized above all else.

We are not asking for special treatment, only for justice to be served and for laws to ensure the well-being of children. The mental and physical safety of children should never be compromised by a hurried or unchecked judicial decision. When there are legitimate child safety concerns and a rogue judicial officer is not applying the law, there isn't time to wait for the lengthy appeals process. When children's lives are on the line -- the presiding judge must step in to halt new orders until the situation is deemed safe.

I implore you to consider the long-term implications of such rulings, not just for my children but for all families who might find themselves in similar situations. By signing this petition, you're advocating for a system that better safeguards the most vulnerable among us. We need this change to ensure that no family has to endure what mine is suffering and to truly prioritize the well-being of children. Please join me in this fight for justice and sign this petition to bring about necessary judicial reforms in King County. Washington cannot afford to delay when safety is at risk. The state is still reeling from the loss of three little girls whose lives were taken by their father during a court-ordered visitation. Their mother had expressed concern - just like I am doing now. But those concerns were not taken seriously enough. Children should NOT have to pay the ultimate price for a hurried, rushed, ineffective judicial process. When safety is on the line, EXPERTS must be allowed to weigh in to determine risk.  What we are asking for immediately: STOP Judge Rampersad from signing/entering these dangerous custody reversal orders. What we are asking for going forward: an expert safety panel review board who can step in for immediate review when a protective parent sounds the alarm that child safety is at risk.