Amidst the growing momentum to transform what has been known as the child welfare system and reimagine true support and empowerment of families and communities, my transition to this role could not be more timely. As the Director of Advocacy and Policy, I will lead Children’s Rights in expanding our use of policy and legislation to achieve […]
For some, the child welfare system appears aptly named—a system of policies and supportive services meant to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families. Yet for many among the millions who experience it, the child welfare system is an entrenched set of government structures designed to reinforce the racist history of oppression and separation of Black families in the United States.
The story of the tragic death of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant is a stark reminder of why we do the work we do to protect and defend the rights of children in state care. Ma’Khia was shot and killed by a Columbus, Ohio police officer during an altercation at the foster home where she was living. An investigation […]
Colt Anderson is a Roman Catholic theologian who has served nine years on the faculty of a seminary, three years as the Academic Dean of a Catholic theological school, and five years as the Dean of the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University. He is a member of the Interfaith Coalition for Children’s Rights.
As a drug and alcohol counselor, I help pregnant women in rehabilitation avoid opioids and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Ironically I did not intend to be in this field, I wanted to work with youth in foster care. I believe now that I am meant to be doing what I am doing. By working with women […]
I was born in Ohio 26 years ago. There were happy moments with my mother. But there were bad times too. I was abused by my uncles when I was very young. At the age of 7, I accidentally set the house on fire. That led to a Child Services report. I wound up in […]
This has been such a difficult time for so many families. I have three small children who should be having play dates or be in preschool. Keeping them busy has been a challenge. But thanks to a supportive partner, whose brother is our child care provider, and an amazing extended family of parents and grandparents […]
My mother spent time in foster care and promised herself she wouldn’t let it happen to me. I know she loved me. But addiction is a hard battle to fight. I saw my first drug deal when I was five – I was 14 before it clicked what was in that lunch sack. When I […]
Honor and share Cornelius’ memory: Facebook Twitter Instagram Today, we are thinking about Cornelius Frederick. Cornelius was a softhearted, rambunctious Black 16-year old child. He loved chess, card tricks, and computers. He was a loving brother and nephew who dreamed of being a counselor one day. His life was not easy. At age 10, he […]
Meet McClain Bryant Macklin. When a federal judge approved a settlement last January in a class action case brought by Children’s Rights and local partners in Kansas, he said it provides “real value” to the more than 7,000 children in the foster care system. McClain Bryant Macklin remembers how good it felt to know her organization, Health Forward Foundation, […]
