Lawmakers and Survivors Urge Washington Family‑court Reforms, Introduce ‘Safe Child Act’

State legislators and survivors held a Washington state press conference to press for changes in how family courts handle cases involving domestic violence and child safety and to unveil proposed legislation billed as the "Safe Child Act." Lawmakers and witnesses said current family‑court practices routinely overlook evidence of abuse, minimize economic coercion and grant judges excessive discretion that can put children at risk.

Barry Goldstein, introduced as an expert witness, anchored the argument in public‑health research, citing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) framework and Justice Department–reviewed studies. "Children exposed to domestic violence, child abuse, other traumas will live shorter and less healthy lives," Goldstein said, and he argued courts are not using ACE or multidisciplinary approaches recommended by researchers.

Goldstein described SB 5,532 as a proposal to require training for judges and court professionals and to insist on evidence‑based assessments in custody cases; he also discussed SB 55 36, which focuses on economic abuse. He warned that bills that increase judicial discretion in contested custody settings — he cited concerns with language in HB 16 20 — risk worsening outcomes in high‑risk domestic‑violence cases by treating them like routine custody disputes.

Survivors gave detailed accounts of family‑court decisions they say exposed children to danger. Tamara Emerson said the court ignored reports from CPS, a child counselor and a guardian ad litem, imposed "abuse of conflict" restrictions against her and granted 50/50 custody despite repeated police interventions while the children were in the other parent's care. "The court granted 50/50 custody, putting my children back in harm's way," she said.

Another parent, Lindsey, described years in Snohomish County family court, saying her oldest daughter twice refused visitation and the mother was later found in contempt after the judge instructed her to force a 13‑year‑old into a vehicle. Lindsey said the court ultimately reversed custody and placed her four children in substandard housing with the father. "Judicial accountability is essential and vital to protecting vulnerable children," she said.

Speakers repeatedly urged courts to use established assessment tools and to act on their results. Dan Griffey urged judges to "make full use of the review calendar" and to read and act on lethality risk assessments and ACE scores when they are ordered. Barry Goldstein said such tools would reduce misdiagnosis and reliance on subjective opinion: "If we use objective opinions required in this legislation, it would automatically improve the process."

Several speakers called for stronger accountability and structural change. Shannon drawn, who identified herself as a teacher and attorney, argued the family‑court system now operates outside its constitutional limits and called on legislators to redraft the relevant provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Representative Jenny Graham said she has drafted legislation to address judicial immunity in cases where a judge's ruling leads to serious harm or death.

Organizers did not announce a floor vote; speakers said the bills face resistance in the House and urged public involvement. They encouraged supporters to sign in to committee hearings, submit written testimony and contact legislators about specific bill numbers they cited during the event. The press conference concluded with a call to civic action and an invitation for media to request interviews with survivors and experts.

What’s next: organizers said staff are working on amendments and asked attendees to engage in the committee process. No formal legislative actions were taken at the event.