Our Legislative Focus Areas

Protecting Children, Supporting Families

At CRPC Watch, we focus on ensuring children’s well-being during and after family litigation, particularly when safety is a concern. State courts and child protection teams play a vital role, but incorrect decisions can lead to lasting trauma.

By advocating for the CDC’s Essentials for Childhood framework and empowering judicial systems with the right tools, we aim to create safe, nurturing, and stable environments for children and their families.

Holistic and Team-based approach

Holistic and Collaborative Approach to Custody Determinations in Cases of Child Maltreatment and Family Abuse

We propose a holistic and collaborative approach to custody determinations in cases involving child maltreatment and family abuse, emphasizing the safety and well-being of the child. Instead of relying solely on a single decision-maker, we recommend a panel of impartial, child-focused professionals, including child protection experts, mental health professionals, social workers, and legal advocates. This team will work together to ensure that all aspects of the child’s needs—emotional, psychological, and physical—are thoroughly considered.

By drawing from diverse perspectives, the panel can offer more balanced and informed decisions, ultimately prioritizing the best interests of the child. This approach fosters a more supportive, trauma-informed system for families, reducing the negative impacts of litigation while safeguarding children’s futures. Additionally, it promotes fairness and transparency in the legal process, ensuring that all voices are heard and that children receive the care and protection they need during challenging times.

Proposed Mandatory Training Requirements for State Judges Who Determine Child & Family Abuse Matters

Proposed Judicial Training for Child and Family Abuse Cases

State judges and Child Protective Services (CPS) decisions significantly impact the well-being of children and families, influencing social determinants of health and community outcomes nationwide. These rulings affect not just the individuals involved but also the broader population’s health and quality of life.

The Center for the Rights & Protection of Children recognizes the need for enhanced judicial training in child and family abuse cases. By equipping judges with the necessary tools and knowledge, this initiative aims to improve child safety, strengthen families, and support healthier communities.

This effort emphasizes the critical role of informed judicial decisions in protecting children and promoting family stability across the nation.

Proposed graduated tier-based approach

To enhance child protection, states should adopt a graduated tier-based evaluative system for handling reports of child abuse in custody cases.

This approach includes:

Initial Triage by CPS
a. All child sexual abuse allegations in custody must be evaluated.
b. Cases with multiple reports of abuse must progress through each evaluation tier.
- 01: CPS triages initial reports
- 02: Cases are referred for higher-level evaluations
- 03: Referrals ensure future safety
Ongoing and Repeated Reports
These reports should advance through higher evaluation levels conducted by specialized teams, rather than being dismissed.

In 2016, CPS received 4.1 million abuse reports involving 7.1 million children, with many disclosures delayed.

Recommendation:
States must implement this tier-based system to effectively address repeated reports of abuse separately from Child Protective Services.