Jordan Arce (He/Him)

29, Texas

Jordan was placed in the Texas foster system at 14. As a witness at trial in a Children’s Rights lawsuit against Texas, he testified about the harms he suffered at the hands of the state. Today, Jordan has a career he enjoys and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Data Science.

“What children need, or what anybody needs, growing up, is to have a place that you feel nurtured, cared about, taken care of physically, emotionally, and mentally.”

Ashley Cash (She/Her)

22, Arizona

Ashley was in six different group homes and foster homes from age 12 to 17 where she endured years of abuse. She rarely saw her caseworker, despite reporting the abuse. An expert with lived experience, Ashley provided wise counsel to Children’s Rights in its Arizona case. Ashley is currently working towards her Bachelor’s Degree and is interested in becoming an attorney.

“The law of the land is to protect the most vulnerable, and the most vulnerable are elderly and children. So why aren’t we protecting our children?”

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Kris Dadant (She/Her)

72, Missouri

Kris served as KhiMarria Richardson’s Next Friend in a Children’s Rights lawsuit against Missouri, advocating on her behalf. She continues to stay in touch with Khi, sometimes going shopping or out to lunch with her.

“I’m a mother of two, and seeing the difference between being in a family and being in a facility, the children don’t get the love that they need to survive and to grow and to be healthy.”

Ruby Delozier (She/Her)

Texas

Ruby is the great-grandmother of Alyssa Murphy, a named plaintiff in a Children’s Rights lawsuit against Texas. She fought hard to care for Alyssa when she was placed in the system but was denied custody. Today, Ruby and Alyssa maintain a loving relationship.

“They’re just children. They need to be loved, they need to know that they’re loved.”

Jacqueline Juarez (She/Her)

18, Texas

Jacqueline was a witness in a Children’s Rights trial in Texas, testifying about her years in the system. At 11, Jacqueline was placed in the system, shuffling between different foster homes and facilities where she was prescribed multiple psychotropic medications without proper evaluations or oversight. Jacqueline recently passed her GED and is focusing on her passions like sports and reading.

““…If they are trying to help the kids, they should be there more for the kids. They should listen to the kids.”

Crystal Medina (She/Her)

33, Kansas

Crystal spent most of her childhood in the Texas foster system, experiencing so many placements she lost count. After aging out, she served as a witness in a Children’s Rights lawsuit against the State. Today she lives in Kansas, where she is pursuing her art through painting, music, poetry, and performance, as well as her passion for gardening. She is the mother of seven children. 

“I mourn my childhood. I mourn my innocence.”

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Alyssa Murphy (She/Her)

27, Texas

Alyssa, a named plaintiff in a Children’s Rights case filed in Texas, endured abuse and the harmful administration of psychotropic drugs while being shuffled between 37 foster homes and institutions over 12 years. Today, Alyssa lives in Texas.

“I do not believe that kids who are institutionalized get enough love at all. I believe they’re treated as objects.”

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KhiMarria Richardson (She/Her)

19, Missouri

KhiMarria, a named plaintiff in a Children’s Rights lawsuit against Missouri, spoke out while still in an institution about the dangers of overmedication. The psychotropic drugs she was given led to lifelong medical issues. Today KhiMarria has a steady job and still sometimes meets her Next Friend Kris Dadant for lunch and shopping trips.

“I’m very angry. You took away my childhood. They’d be like ‘What’s one thing you miss about your childhood?’ My innocence is gone.”

Jimmy Vaughn (He/Him)

33, Texas

Jimmy spent years in the Texas foster system. He went through seven different foster homes and was placed on multiple powerful psychotropic medications. Since his teenage years, Jimmy has been an advocate for change speaking out before lawmakers, educating the media, and supporting Children’s Rights. He is an attorney in Texas and a new father.

“How do you trust people when the people that are supposed to be protecting you are the same people that are hurting you?”

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