Why Family Court Advocacy Matters—Even When It’s Not Your State

FOUR URGENT CALLS TO ACTION

When one state passes child-centric legislation, it sends a ripple effect across the country. These laws often become the blueprint for other states, setting a new standard for how the family court system can and should protect children and survivors. We are at a pivotal moment in this movement and right now, we need all hands on deck.

This is a national crisis that requires a national response.

As someone who navigated the family court system without legal representation for nearly six years, I saw firsthand how the system prioritizes parental rights over child safety. I’ve spent over a decade advocating for reform, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned—it’s that collective action matters. When we show up for each other, state by state, we create undeniable momentum.

In the past, I’ve given a tremendous amount of grace to people who are still in the thick of things and not able to get involved in advocacy efforts but things have reached a crisis level, and we truly need everyone. Even if you can only do one thing this week, please do it.

Every action counts.

Every voice matters.

Here are four urgent calls to action. Whether you're a survivor, an advocate, or someone who simply cares about protecting children, there's a place for you in this fight. Invite your friends, family and neighbors to get involved also.

1. Washington – ESHB 1620
This groundbreaking legislation prioritizes child safety in custody cases involving abuse. It limits parenting time for abusive parents, curbs abusive litigation tactics, and requires trauma-informed training for judges. It also protects protective parents from being penalized for safeguarding their children.

Washington has the opportunity to lead the nation in family court reform. If you haven’t already, get involved.

Click here to submit your "pro" vote and follow these simple instructions:

• SELECT “ESHB 1620 (PARENTING PLAN LIMITATIONS)”

• SELECT “I would like my position noted for the legislative record”

• SELECT “PRO,” REGISTER AND SUBMIT

2. Georgia – Ethan’s Law (HB 253)
This bill prohibits dangerous reunification programs that retraumatize children and sever bonds with safe, protective parents. It bans programs that violate no-contact orders, use coercion or force, require out-of-state stays, or rely on private youth transporters. These programs are often court-ordered despite being harmful, unregulated, and unsupported by legitimate therapeutic practices.

Take Action
Email Senator Kay Kirkpatrick: kay.kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov
CC: hannah.holcomb@senate.ga.gov, bailey.sailors@senate.ga.gov

Template:
"Please vote YES on Ethan’s Law (HB 253) and protect Georgia’s children from dangerous reunification programs. This is common sense legislation and the world is watching."

3. March 18 Webinar – Get Involved
Want to learn how to influence policy and create legislative change? Join us for a special Zoom event with advocates Hera McLeod and Annie Kenny. Both have successfully passed legislation in Maryland and will share how YOU can do the same in your state.

Date: March 18
Time: 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET
Click here to register

4. Share Your Experience
Your story matters. Data drives policy, and your voice helps build the case for change. Take the national survey at projectjusticeusa.com. Every submission strengthens the collective push for reform.

Why It Matters?

"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children." - Nelson Mandela

This isn’t just about policy. It’s about protecting children from court-ordered harm, ending the silencing of survivors, and building a system that genuinely prioritizes safety and well-being.

We are stronger together. Let’s protect children and survivors—in all states.