New Initiative Launched to Reform Family Court Procedures
We're proud to announce our latest initiative aimed at improving transparency and fairness in family court proceedings across the nation.
Read MoreCommitted to Ending Coercive Custodial Control
Coercive Custodial Control is tearing families and communities apart and we are committed to ending it.
Understanding Coercive Custodial Control
Coercive
The use of threats, pressure, or manipulation—whether overt or subtle—to make someone act against their will and/or the will of their children
Custodial
Involving situations in which one parent has physical or legal authority over the children, or influence through custody arrangements.
Control
The exercise of power through that custodial position to dominate, punish, or coerce the other parent—often by limiting contact, imposing conditions, or using the children as leverage.
Signs of Coercive Custodial Control
Hover over any sign to learn more about how it manifests in family situations
Parental Replacement
Systematically substituting a biological or legal parent's role with another person, often a step-parent, new partner, or state-appointed guardian. This may involve forcing children to call someone else "mom" or "dad," requiring participation in family activities that exclude the targeted parent, or deliberately eroding the parent-child bond to create a new family structure that marginalizes the original parent.
Threats of Removal
Explicit or implicit warnings that children will be taken away or custody will be lost if the parent doesn't comply with demands. These threats create a climate of fear that prevents parents from advocating for their rights or questioning questionable practices.
Excessive Monitoring
Constant surveillance, unannounced home visits, or invasive scrutiny of daily activities that goes beyond reasonable child welfare concerns. This creates an atmosphere where parents feel they're always being watched and judged.
Restricted Communication
Limitations placed on when, how, or how often parents can communicate with their children. This may include supervised calls, restricted visit times, or barriers to normal parent-child interaction that harm the relationship.
Financial Leverage
Using economic pressure, court fees, or required services as tools of control. Parents may be required to pay for services they can't afford or face consequences, creating a system that punishes poverty.
Forced Isolation
Cutting parents off from their support networks, extended family, or community resources. This isolation makes parents more vulnerable and dependent on the controlling party or system.
Conditional Reunification
Placing arbitrary or constantly changing requirements on family reunification. These conditions may be unrealistic, contradictory, or designed to be impossible to fulfill, extending separation indefinitely.
Power Imbalance
A stark disparity in authority where one party (often the state or custodial parent) has overwhelming control over decisions, access, and outcomes. This imbalance prevents fair negotiation or advocacy.
Documentation Overload
Excessive paperwork requirements, complex bureaucratic processes, or demands for extensive documentation that overwhelm parents and create barriers to compliance. The burden itself becomes a form of control.
Unexplained Investigations
Sudden or repeated investigations without clear cause or transparency. Parents may not be told who made allegations, what exactly they're accused of, or how to effectively respond.
Fear-Based Compliance
Parents agreeing to demands or giving up rights not because they believe it's right, but because they fear worse consequences. This coerced "consent" is not truly voluntary and undermines parental autonomy.
Important: These signs do not occur in every case, but represent common patterns in situations involving coercive custodial control. If you're experiencing these issues, please consult with a qualified family law attorney or contact us for resources and support.
Latest News & Updates
View All NewsNew Study Reveals Critical Areas for Child Welfare System Reform
Our comprehensive research study highlights critical areas for reform in the current child welfare system and its impact on families.
Read MoreOur Testimony at Congressional Hearing on Parental Rights Protection Act
Our organization provided crucial testimony at a congressional hearing addressing the need for federal parental rights protections.
Read MoreOur Mission
We are dedicated to reforming family law and child welfare systems to ensure that parental rights are protected, children remain safely with their families whenever possible, and justice is served equitably for all families regardless of economic status.
Through advocacy, education, and legal reform initiatives, we work to create a system that truly serves the best interests of children while respecting fundamental parental rights and family integrity.
Learn More About Our Work
Did You Know?
At any time, your rights to raise your children can be given to another man
Current family law systems often fail to adequately protect biological parental rights, especially in cases involving custody disputes and state intervention.
2.3M
Children in Foster Care
Over 2.3 million children are currently in the U.S. foster care system, with many cases involving questionable family separations.
78%
Cases Without Legal Representation
78% of parents in family court proceedings cannot afford adequate legal representation, creating systemic inequities.
$30B
Annual System Costs
The broken family court system costs taxpayers over $30 billion annually while failing to protect families effectively.
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23
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Voices for Change
Sarah M. Parent and Advocate"Alliance to End Coercive Custodial Control helped me navigate the most difficult time in my life. Their resources and advocacy made all the difference in keeping my family together."
Michael Rodriguez, Esq. Family Law Attorney"As a family law attorney, I've seen firsthand how their research and advocacy efforts are creating real, positive changes in our legal system."
Rep. Jennifer Walsh State Legislature"Their policy recommendations have been instrumental in shaping more equitable family law legislation in our state."