Rethinking Foster Care

Hope A few days ago, I walked into a room full of young adults who had spent time in our foster care system, including some who had emancipated after many years. Entering a room full of folks who have experienced our foster care system personally is a familiar situation for me, and it’s one of the greatest privileges and joys of my job.   I meet and speak with as many young people and parents with lived experience as possible.   In fact, this group was the second group of young people I had meet with that day. In looking around the room, I realized that I knew nearly all of the young people in the room .   I mean I really knew them - Kayla, Joshua, Diego, David, Leroy, Scout, Lupe, Eric-lee and so many others.   I had met these people on multiple occasions. We had been in meetings together, attended the same events, and had lots of conversation.   I had heard their stories, been in photos together, and befriended many on social media (the only reason I stay on social media).

A System In Need Of Umpires A few weeks ago, a retired judge shared with me how he’d reform juvenile court. He remarked, “I’d tell judges they shouldn’t be umpires. They need to do more than call balls and strikes. They need to go out there and help kids.” I get that sentiment. We all entered this field to help kids and their families. We all want to ease the suffering of those in pain. We all feel the urge to do more. But I disagree with him. Perhaps what our families need more than anything else are umpires, with juvenile court judges using the law as their strike zone. As a lawyer for children and parents over the last 18 years, I’ve been struck by how little the law factors in at everyday court hearings. Judges don’t demand citations to statutes. Attorneys don’t file motions. As a result, hearings don’t revolve around the governing legal standards. In fact, throughout my career, I’ve heard judges chide lawyers and parents when they emphasize the l