During a recent city council meeting, Mayor Randy Johnson proclaimed November 2024 as Family Court Awareness Month, highlighting the critical need for reform within the family court system. The proclamation was presented in recognition of ongoing efforts by advocates to raise awareness about the importance of prioritizing child safety and addressing issues of domestic violence and childhood trauma in family court proceedings.

The initiative, which began in 2020, was spearheaded by Tina Swithin of One Mom's Battle and Sandra Ross of the California Protect Parents Association. Their mission focuses on educating professionals within the family court system about the complexities of domestic violence and its impact on children. The mayor emphasized the alarming statistic that over 100 children in the United States lose their lives each year due to failures in the family court system, particularly when courts overlook pleas for protection from abusive parents.

Shelley, a representative from the advocacy group, addressed the council, expressing gratitude for the proclamation and underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive training on domestic violence for judicial officers. She pointed out that many states lack adequate training requirements, which can lead to dangerous outcomes for children involved in custody disputes. Shelley shared her personal experiences and those of other families who have faced similar challenges, stressing that safety should be the foremost concern in family court cases.

The proclamation aims to foster greater awareness and drive change within the family court system, ensuring that the safety and well-being of children are prioritized in all judicial decisions.