Re: “Travis Decker search: WA lawmakers, advocates demand family court reforms” (June 13, Native Information):
When courts miss the mark, youngsters bear the final word price, as did Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Decker, suspected of being killed by their father close to Leavenworth.
Each youngster deserves not less than one good-enough dad or mum who’s emotionally regular, financially safe and protected. A weak household court docket system delays or drowns youngsters in limbo. Months with no listening to can imply no youngster assist and little stability at dwelling or faculty. Threats to family-court judges chill rulings. A decide who fears backlash could default to the most secure name for them, not the perfect one, leaving kids trapped in battle.
Public cynicism feeds noncompliance. When mother and father suppose the system is damaged, they really feel justified in ignoring orders, weaponizing their youngsters and forcing the protected dad or mum again to court docket with out getting the assistance they should do higher. Everybody loses.
It’s time to press leaders on court docket funding and judicial safety. Instances don’t transfer with out assets, and youngsters want closure. It’s time to double down on child-centered processes like mediation and collaborative regulation, placing kids’s wants above egos. It’s time to talk about judges with respect. Little ears be taught from us whether or not guidelines matter. It’s time to point out kids we care.
Elise Buie, Esq., Lilliwaup
