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CASA program uses volunteers to advocate for kids

Cheryl Splain

January 04, 2021 |

Knox Pages |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Mount Vernon, Ohio

In 55 Ohio counties, judges can appoint volunteers from Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs to represent the interests of children when their families' struggles end up in court. CASA volunteers act as a judge's eyes and ears in the lives of children who are suspected of being victims of abuse or neglect, or who at least need a more stable home. They recommend placement options and treatment services. Such programs can save counties money, by replacing paid lawyers serving as guardians, and volunteers can be more attentive to children's needs.

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For families involved in Philly's child welfare system, this program is building a safety net

Steve Volk

November 12, 2020 |

Kensington Voice |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A pilot program within the child welfare system in Philadelphia is providing wraparound services for parents at risk of losing custody of their children. The multi-disciplinary services include an attorney, social workers, and a peer advocate in addition to services that help stabilize families such as housing, employment, and addiction treatment. Similar programs in New York City and Washington state show significant reductions of time spent by children in foster care and increased rates of reunification - saving money and reducing trauma.

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With Abuse Victims Trapped at Home, Detroit Moves Restraining Order System Online

Jennifer Mascia Katlyn Alo

May 29, 2020 |

The Trace |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

Domestic abuse risks are on the rise, at a time of social isolation, economic disruption, and gun-buying, and so Wayne County, Michigan, court officials responded to the closing of their courthouses by allowing people to seek orders of protection online. A replacement for an onerous, face-to-face process, the new e-filing system processed fewer applications in its first month than before the pandemic crisis, but at least preserved a steady flow of cases that enable victims to block their abusers from possessing guns. Victim advocates hope the new system expands access even after the courthouses reopen.

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Success continues with child support services, KCSO partnership

Cheryl Splain

August 09, 2019 |

Knox Pages |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Mount Vernon, Ohio

By assigning two sheriff's deputies to track down people child support, and by tweaking multiple ways in which county authorities interact with parents, Knox County nearly tripled the amounts collected since starting its new approach in 2015. In the past, summonses were mailed to people, and the prosecutor's office dealt with collection matters as an enforcement-only matter. By coordinating all the players, including courts, employers, and case managers, the system has achieved far higher compliance and can work more constructively with people who are struggling financially.

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America's Other Family-Separation Crisis

Sarah Stillman

November 05, 2018 |

The New Yorker |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Tulsa, Oklahoma

As incarceration rates of women in America continue to rise, Still She Rises, a project of the Bronx Defenders, uses a holistic approach to legal defense for incarcerated mothers in Tulsa, OK. Attorneys for the organization investigate injustices in cases and represent local, often impoverished, mothers, who face losing custody of their children in the face of the law.

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Alternative to Incarceration Program in NYC Gives Teens a Second Chance

Maria Serrano

October 17, 2018 |

South Florida Media Network |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York

Esparanza, a non-profit located in New York, provides comprehensive services for teenagers who are in the justice system. The intensive family counseling has been a successful alternative to incarceration since 2002, and research shows that the approach and other restorative justice practices are well suited for helping children who have been involved with the justice system lead healthy lives.

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How one state is using incentives instead of penalties to boost child support payments

K. Sophie Will

October 15, 2018 |

Deseret News |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Seattle, Washington

Washington State is using behavioral science and kinder, more compassionate communications to help encourage full payment of child-support from non-custodial parents. With their efforts, including friendlier communications and meeting reminders, hundreds more parents have been meeting child-support workers.

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Working together to prevent child abuse

Anne Hillman

August 17, 2018 |

Alaska Public Media |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Anchorage, Alaska

In order to address child abuse and neglect community members got together to form: R.O.C.K Mat Su, a collaborative organization composed of several organizations that has “teamed up with government agencies, schools and judges to develop a comprehensive solution.” So far, they have been able to train 10 schools to become trauma informed schools, trained over 2,000 people in the community, and created an alternative judicial court for children that prioritizes family reunification.

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Domestic violence: Convictions are hard and the safety net has many holes

Jess Aloe Elizabeth Murray

June 06, 2018 |

Burlington Free Press |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Burlington, Vermont

Vermont lawmakers tried to make it easier for domestic violence victims to seek a special type of restraining order even if law enforcement does not have enough evidence to make an arrest. If it's granted the accused abuser cannot contact the victim or possess guns, but there are many holes in the system that make getting a permanent order more challenging. Resources are tight although one officer to work part-time in the State Attorney's office to create more uniform policies around the state.

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Could Vermont's new gun law have saved Anako Lumumba's life?

Jess Aloe Elizabeth Murray

June 06, 2018 |

Burlington Free Press |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Burlington, Vermont

Extreme risk protection orders can be effective in removing guns from dangerous people, but even though Vermont has such a law on the books, making it work effectively is difficult because it places most of the burden to prove the danger on the victim. Even if a risk protection order exists, law enforcement cannot take someone's guns if that person refuses unless they get a search warrant. The law's pitfalls were evident after the shooting death of a Burlington woman by her estranged partner.

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