Press Releases
Children’s Rights, Faith Leaders Launch Interfaith Coalition to Fight Foster Care and Adoption Discrimination
Coalition will mobilize faith communities against a “license to discriminate” Contact: Daniel Kessel, 646-216-3343, dkessel@childrensrights.org NEW YORK – Amid reports that the Trump Administration is planning to allow foster care and adoption agencies nationwide to discriminate against prospective foster parents and children under the guise of “religious freedom,” Children’s Rights, a national organization advocating for foster […]
June 6, 2019Statement: Migrant Children to Be Denied Education, Recreation, and Legal Services
The New York Times reported that the Trump administration plans to restrict or cancel education, legal aid, and playground recreation for migrant children held in government shelters. Sandy Santana, Executive Director of Children’s Rights, issued this statement: “The administration’s directive halting education, recreation and legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children held in detention must be stopped in its […]
June 5, 2019New Child Welfare Bill Will Keep More Foster Kids in Safe and Loving Homes
Every Child Deserves a Family Act Introduced Today by U.S. Congressman John Lewis Contact: Daniel Kessel, 646-216-3343, dkessel@childrensrights.org WASHINGTON, D.C. — Children’s Rights applauds the introduction of the Every Child Deserves a Family (ECDF) Act of 2019 in the U.S. House of Representatives, and thanks Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) for his dedicated leadership on behalf […]
May 7, 2019Major 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 […]
