“What’s best for the family is best for that child.” – Kelis Houston In child welfare, too often we separate the child from their natural support system—their family. But as Kelis Houston of Village Arms explains in our latest podcast episode, advocating for families is advocating for the best interests of the child. Join Sonia Johnson and Classie Colinet on Wednesday, October 23rd to hear how Kelis and other advocates are pushing for reforms that center on family preservation and reunification. #ChildWelfare #FamilyPreservation #Advocacy #FamilyReunification #SystemicReform #SocialJustice
Torn: A Podcast about the Racial Disparities in the Child Welfare System
Law Practice
This podcast explores inequities in the current child welfare system, making the case for its its complete overhaul
About us
Welcome to Torn, our podcast series – a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for child welfare advocates. As advocates in this critical field, We are excited to bring to you a collection of episodes that delve deep into the systemic challenges and advocate for much-needed reforms in the child welfare system. Our journey in this series is not just about highlighting problems; it's about fostering a dialogue that leads to real, tangible solutions. Each episode is crafted with the insight and expertise gained from years of frontline experience, policy analysis, and collaborative efforts with families, legal experts, and fellow advocates. In our episodes, you'll find: - In-Depth Discussions: We tackle the most pressing issues in the child welfare system, from legal complexities to the emotional toll on families. Our discussions are not just theoretical; they are rooted in real-life scenarios and experiences. - Expert Guests: Our podcast features a range of voices, including policymakers, social workers, legal professionals, and most importantly, families who have navigated the child welfare system. Their stories and insights are powerful tools for understanding and advocacy. - Actionable Strategies: Each episode is more than a conversation; it's a platform for action. We share strategies and tools that advocates can use to make a real difference in the lives of families and children. - Community Building: This podcast is a space for child welfare advocates to connect, learn, and grow together. We believe that a united front is key to driving systemic change. - Advocacy Resources: We provide resources and links to further reading and organizations, deepening your understanding and engagement with the issues. Join us as we lead the conversation in child welfare advocacy. Together, we can be the catalysts for change, ensuring that every child and family receives the justice, support, and care they deserve. #ChildWelfareAdvocacy #SocialJustice #FamilyRights
- Industry
- Law Practice
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Type
- Partnership
Updates
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In our first episode of Season 3, Sonia Johnson and Classie Colinet discuss systemic issues in child welfare and how it affects Black and Brown families and what can be done to address them with Shereen White and Kelis Houston. https://lnkd.in/eakbEDUD #ChildWelfare #FamilyPreservation #SocialJustice #Podcast
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“We wanted to explicitly name the role that institutional racism has in the creation and current operations of the family policing system.” – Shereen A. White The child welfare system isn’t just broken—it was built with bias. In the first episode of our new season, Shereen White of Children's Rights joins us to discuss how institutional racism is deeply embedded in the child welfare system and what needs to change. Join Sonia Johnson and Classie Colinet on Wednesday, October 23rd to hear how advocates are taking steps to address these issues and push for reform that truly centers on families. #ChildWelfare #InstitutionalRacism #FamilyPolicing #SocialJustice #SystemicChange #Advocacy
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🚨 New Season Alert! 🚨 We are excited to announce the premiere of Season 3, Episode 1 of our podcast, Torn. 🎙 Join Sonia Johnson and Classie Colinet on Wednesday, October 23rd for a powerful conversation with two leading advocates in child welfare reform: Shereen White, Director of Advocacy & Policy at Children's Rights and Kelis Houston, Founder of Village Arms. In this episode, Shereen and Kelis dive deep into the work of eradicating systemic racism in child welfare. Together, they explore the overrepresentation of Black families in the system and the disproportionate removal of African American children—and discuss actionable strategies to drive real change. 🎧 Listen in as they share their personal experiences, groundbreaking legislative efforts, and insights on how to build community-centered solutions that prioritize family preservation and dismantle harmful policies. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss, especially if you’re working to build a more equitable child welfare system. 📅 Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 23rd, and stay tuned for the link to the full episode! #ChildWelfare #SystemicRacism #FamilyPreservation #PolicyReform #Advocacy #BlackFamilies #SocialJustice #CommunityEngagement
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Don't forget to join Sonia Johnson, Classie Colinet and Dr. Denise Johnson as we present at the Kempe Center virtual conference on October 8th. https://lnkd.in/g8zfHm6u
Get ready to learn and connect with a global community - The International Virtual Conference is just a week away! Check out the exciting lineup of keynote speakers and see who's joining us at www.ctaconference.org. Here is why you can't miss it: • Flexible learning! 13+ hours of daily content for 4 days - attend sessions on YOUR schedule. ️ • Miss a session? No problem! Most sessions are recorded and accessible for 3 months! • Boost your team's knowledge! Register your team (10+) for discounted rates at www.ctaconference.org. There's still time to register! Don't miss out - register today and unlock a world of learning and networking!
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We're beyond excited to share that we’ve reached 241 followers on LinkedIn! This milestone means so much to us, not just because it’s a growing number but because each one of you represents someone who believes in our mission and is committed to amplifying the voices that often go unheard. Our message is spreading, and with your support, we’re reaching more people, making more connections, and driving change in child welfare reform. 💬💪 But we’re not stopping here. Our goal is to reach 300 subscribers by the end of the year, and we know we can get there with the help of this incredible community. Here’s how YOU can help: 🔁 Share our posts – Spread the word to your network and beyond. 💬 Engage with our content – Your likes, comments, and shares boost visibility. 📢 Invite others to follow – Know someone who’s passionate about our cause? Let them know about us! Together, we’re building momentum, and together, we’ll reach new heights. 💫 Thank you for your continued support! Let’s hit that 300 together! Sonia Johnson and Classie Colinet 🙌 #Advocacy #SocialJustice #Milestone #CommunityGrowth #TogetherWeRise #ImpactfulChange #AmplifyVoices
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We are excited to announce that Sonia Johnson, Classie Colinet, and Dr. Denise Johnson will be presenting Shattered: The Devastating Impact Family Separation Has on Parents/Caregivers at The Kempe Center International Convention on October 8th. Registration: https://lnkd.in/grqAi9_H https://lnkd.in/gb6NjMYD
We are happy to announce some of our renowned keynote speakers for the 2024 International Virtual Conference: A Call to Action to Change Child Welfare! Our goal is to motivate, educate, and inspire changemakers worldwide. Sharing ideas, creating lively inclusive debates, and making new international connections are at the heart of this event. We offer an exclusive group discount for 10 or more participants with vast opportunities to connect and learn. Check out the conference agenda and secure your spot today at https://lnkd.in/gw8sqeB6. #TakeAction2024
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In this week's Summer Series episode, Sonia Johnson and Classie Colinet explore the challenges of the 'best interest standard' in the child welfare system. Professor Sankaran, from the University of Michigan Law School, discusses the overuse of terminating parental rights, advocating for a system that values family bonds and considers less adversarial solutions. Delve into this enlightening conversation about reshaping child welfare towards a more equitable and humane approach. https://lnkd.in/egYSZNBx #socialjusticewarrior #socialjustice #childwelfarereform
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This week, we'd like to share an article by Professor Vivek Sankaran, one of our guests on Torn. https://lnkd.in/e4FWpCEY
Best Interests Standard is a Judicial False Idol
https://imprintnews.org
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Today we pause to remember the lives lost and the countless lives forever changed on September 11th, 2001. The impact of that day resonates deeply, especially within our communities. It reminds us of the strength that emerges when we come together in the face of adversity. Let's continue to honor the resilience of survivors, the bravery of first responders, and the solidarity of communities that supported one another. It's a day that will never be forgotten.
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