Press Releases
Major Issues Plague South Carolina Foster Care System, But Latest Report Notes Opportunity for Change
Contact: Daniel Kessel, 646-216-3343, dkessel@childrensrights.org (Charleston, S.C.) — A new report finds that South Carolina’s Department of Social Services (DSS) continues to lag behind court-ordered requirements to improve the state’s child welfare system, but notes that if adequately resourced, DSS is in a position to potentially “transform” care for the more than 4,500 children in state […]
May 1, 2019Statement: Tennessee Postpones Vote on Harmful License to Discriminate Bill
The Tennessee Senate voted yesterday to postpone consideration of SB 1304/HB 0836 to January 2020. This legislation would have allowed discrimination in foster care and adoption based on the religious beliefs of provider agencies. Christina Wilson Remlin, Lead Counsel at Children’s Rights, issued this statement: “The move to delay a vote on this harmful legislation […]
April 29, 2019Arizona Child Welfare Suit Moves Forward; Ninth Circuit Court Affirms Class Certification
Contact: Daniel Kessel, 646-216-3343, dkessel@childrensrights.org (Phoenix, A.Z.) — The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on April 26, 2019 that B.K. v. McKay, a class action targeting Arizona’s struggling child welfare system, should be allowed to move forward. The decision affirmed the lower court’s grant of class certification for all children who are or will be […]
April 22, 2019Statement: Philadelphia Upholds Anti-Discrimination in Child Welfare
Today, in a win for LGBTQ families and children, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Philadelphia can uphold its anti-discrimination policies, affirming the District Court’s denial of a preliminary injunction requested by Catholic Social Services (CSS). Christina Wilson Remlin, Lead Counsel at Children’s Rights, issued this statement: “By refusing to allow public […]
April 8, 2019Statement: Kirstjen Nielsen Resigns as Homeland Security Secretary
On Sunday, Kirstjen Nielsen resigned as Homeland Security Secretary, a move that may impact thousands of children in U.S. custody. Sandy Santana, Executive Director of Children’s Rights, issued the following statement: “Kirstjen Nielsen has resigned, but the family separation policy – enacted under her direction as Homeland Security Secretary – has scarred thousands of children […]
March 18, 2019Justice for Children: Federal Lawsuit Settlement in South Florida Promises Major Reforms for Children in Foster Care
Legal Documents: Notice of Class Action Settlement (March, 2019) Settlement Agreement (March 11, 2019) Contact: Daniel Kessel, 646-216-3343, dkessel@childrensrights.org (Tallahassee, FL) – Florida officials and attorneys for children in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, Florida’s “Southern Region,” agreed to a settlement plan that will vastly improve the lives of children in foster care. The settlement, filed March […]
March 13, 2019Children at Risk: Reports Find Troubling Lack of Progress in Michigan Foster Care Reform
Contact: Daniel Kessel, 646-216-3343, dkessel@childrensrights.org (DETROIT) – A new report finds that once again, critical safety concerns remain for children in Michigan’s child welfare system more than 10 years after the state entered a settlement agreement in Dwayne B. v. Snyder, a lawsuit filed by Children’s Rights and co-counsel. Not only do children face a severe […]
March 1, 2019Statement: Say No to Discrimination in Georgia (SB 221)
(Atlanta, Georgia) — This week, the Georgia State Senate introduced SB 221, a piece of legislation that would implement a broad license to discriminate in Georgia on the basis of “religious freedom.” Christina Wilson Remlin, Lead Counsel for Children’s Rights, issued this statement: “Once again, the Georgia legislature is trying to create a license to […]
February 26, 2019Statement: Migrant Youth Sexual Abuse Allegations Reflect Government “Callousness”
Today, Axios and other outlets reported that HHS released documents alleging that thousands of migrant youth suffered sexual abuse in U.S. custody. Sandy Santana, Executive Director of Children’s Rights, issued the following statement: “The latest revelations out of Washington about the sexual abuse of immigrant children while in the custody of the United States government […]
February 21, 2019Tennessee Case Study: Report Shares Lessons Learned from Child Welfare System Overhaul
Contact: Daniel Kessel, 646-216-3343, dkessel@childrensrights.org (Nashville, TN) – Tracing the dramatic overhaul of Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services over the past two decades, a new report details the trajectory of challenges and eventual success in DCS’s efforts to comprehensively transform the state’s child welfare system as part of the Brian A. v. Haslam reform campaign brought […]
