Short-term Goals (0 to 6 months)

1. Increase Public Awareness:

• Share personal stories of affected families through media partnerships, social media campaigns, and public forums.

• Issue press releases and op-eds in collaboration with local news outlets to bring attention to systemic family court issues.

2. Build Alliances:

• Partner with organizations advocating for family court reform, including legal aid groups and child welfare advocates.

• Establish working relationships with state and local policymakers to introduce reform measures.

3. Organize and Mobilize:

• Hold an initial coalition meeting to develop a shared strategy.

• Launch a petition calling for judicial accountability, procedural reforms, and increased staffing in family courts.

• Identify and support parents willing to provide testimony for public hearings or interviews.

4. Formal Communication with Leaders:

• Request meetings with California State Assembly and Senate representatives, county supervisors, and District Attorneys to present the coalition’s mission and priorities.

• Propose a joint Letter of Support from county supervisors and other elected officials to state authorities.

Mid-term Goals (6 to 18 months)

1. Policy Development and Advocacy:

• Develop detailed legislative reform proposals that address systemic family court challenges, including:

• Strengthening oversight of judges and court staff.

• Streamlining custody and visitation hearings.

• Improving case management technology to prevent procedural errors.

2. Expand Resources for Families:

• Advocate for increased funding for family court operations, including additional mediators, court reporters, and administrative support.

• Support legal aid initiatives that offer guidance and support to self-represented litigants in family court.

3. Statewide Advocacy:

• Launch a statewide campaign to connect with families and advocacy groups in other counties, uniting efforts to demand broader family court reform across California.

• Host a conference or summit focused on sharing best practices and experiences related to reform efforts.

4. Establish Monitoring and Reporting Systems:

• Create a system to track procedural delays, case mismanagement, and ethical violations in family court cases.

• Publish regular reports highlighting key findings to maintain pressure for reform and transparency.

Long-term Goals (18 months to 5 years)

1. Legislative Reform:

• Work with state legislators to pass and implement laws that:

• Mandate performance reviews and accountability measures for judges.

• Set limits on case continuances to protect children from prolonged separation from parents.

• Strengthen ethical standards to prevent the exploitation of false allegations.

2. Sustainable Systemic Changes:

• Ensure that family court systems across California are adequately staffed and resourced, with clear policies in place to prevent procedural delays.

• Advocate for the creation of independent oversight bodies to monitor court operations and handle complaints.

3. Strengthen Family Relationships:

• Promote programs that support the emotional well-being of children and families, such as expanded access to mediation, counseling, and co-parenting education.

• Establish legal and community-based resources aimed at restoring damaged parent-child relationships after court-imposed separations.

4. Permanent Advocacy Presence:

• Institutionalize the coalition as a recognized advocacy group within California’s family law reform landscape, with ongoing outreach, policy development, and community engagement efforts.