Major Victories: Three States Pass Family Rights Legislation
We’re thrilled to announce a trifecta of legislative victories this October. Three states have passed comprehensive family rights protection laws, representing years of advocacy work and providing hope for similar reforms nationwide.
Arizona: The Family Integrity Act
What It Does
Arizona’s Family Integrity Act, which goes into effect January 1, 2025, includes:
- Higher Evidence Standard: Requires “clear and convincing evidence” for child removal (up from “preponderance of evidence”)
- Guaranteed Representation: Ensures free legal representation for all parents in child welfare cases
- Swift Hearings: Mandates initial hearings within 72 hours of removal
- Family Support Services: Allocates $15 million for preventive services
The Journey
- 2021: First bill introduction (failed in committee)
- 2022: Revised bill (passed House, died in Senate)
- 2023: Garnered bipartisan support after high-profile case
- 2024: Passed both chambers with overwhelming support (House 52-8, Senate 24-6)
Impact
An estimated 8,000 families per year will benefit from these stronger protections, and the state expects to save $12 million annually by keeping families together when safe to do so.
Michigan: Parental Rights Defense Act
What It Does
Michigan’s legislation focuses on due process protections:
- Legal Counsel: Provides attorney representation from first contact with child protective services
- Transparent Investigations: Requires investigators to inform parents of their rights and the allegations against them
- Appeal Rights: Expedites appeals process and provides legal support
- Cultural Competency: Mandates training on racial and cultural bias for all child welfare workers
The Push
This bill gained momentum after a University of Michigan study revealed that Black families were 4 times more likely to be investigated and 3 times more likely to have children removed, even controlling for economic factors.
Key supporters included:
- ACLU of Michigan
- NAACP Michigan Conference
- Michigan Catholic Conference
- Michigan Association of Counties
Governor’s Statement
Governor Whitmer said at the signing: “Every family deserves justice and fairness. This law ensures that parents’ rights are protected while we work to keep children safe. These goals are not mutually exclusive.”
Virginia: Family First Protection Act
What It Does
Virginia’s comprehensive reform includes:
- Economic Support: Recognizes that poverty alone cannot be grounds for removal
- Housing Assistance: Provides emergency housing support to families at risk
- Legal Aid Funding: Increases funding for legal aid organizations by $8 million
- Oversight Board: Creates independent board to review child welfare decisions
Notable Provisions
The “poverty protection” clause is particularly groundbreaking. It explicitly states:
“The lack of adequate housing, utilities, food, clothing, or other material needs arising from poverty shall not, in the absence of additional evidence of harm or risk of harm to the child, constitute neglect or be grounds for removal of a child from parental custody.”
Bipartisan Success
The bill passed with rare unanimous support in both chambers, reflecting broad recognition that current policies were failing families.
What This Means Nationally
Setting Precedents
These victories provide models for other states:
- Proven frameworks that balance child safety with family preservation
- Cost data showing family preservation is both more effective and less expensive
- Political viability demonstrated by bipartisan support
Momentum Building
We’re already seeing movement in:
- Colorado: Similar bill introduced for 2025 session
- Oregon: Legislative committee studying these reforms
- Pennsylvania: Advocacy coalition forming
- Florida: Preliminary conversations with legislators
Our Role
Alliance to End Coercive Custodial Control contributed to these victories through:
- Research and data analysis supporting reform
- Expert testimony before legislative committees
- Coalition building with diverse stakeholders
- Media campaigns raising public awareness
- Direct advocacy with legislators
Next Steps
While we celebrate these wins, our work continues:
Immediate Actions
- Implementation Support: Helping states successfully roll out new laws
- Monitoring: Tracking outcomes to document impact
- Model Legislation: Developing templates for other states
Looking Ahead
- Pushing for federal legislation building on these state successes
- Expanding advocacy to more states
- Supporting organizations in other states pursuing similar reforms
How You Can Help
Take Action
- Check your state: See if similar legislation is being considered
- Contact legislators: Share these success stories
- Support local organizations: Find family rights groups in your area
- Donate: Help us expand our advocacy work
Share These Wins
Success breeds success. When legislators see that family rights protections:
- Pass with bipartisan support
- Save taxpayer money
- Improve outcomes for families
- Protect children effectively
They’re more likely to support similar reforms in their own states.
Gratitude
These victories belong to everyone who contributed:
- Families who shared their stories
- Legislators who listened and acted
- Partner organizations who collaborated
- Donors who funded our advocacy
- Volunteers who made calls and attended hearings
Thank you for believing in this movement and making these wins possible.
To get involved in family rights advocacy in your state, visit justiceformamilies.org/take-action or email advocacy@endccc.org