In this episode, Sharon Balmer Cartagena, Directing Attorney of Public Counsel’s Child, Youth & Family Advocacy Project in California, joins us to discuss innovative efforts to support families earlier in the child welfare process. Drawing on her work with the Keeping Families Together Project in Los Angeles County, she explains how expanding access to support and legal counsel can help bridge communication gaps, connect families to resources, and prevent unnecessary system involvement.

Sharon shares early results from the program and what they suggest about the impact of timely support. She also explores broader challenges within the child welfare system, including mandated reporting laws, definitions of neglect, and the high rate of unsubstantiated investigations. Sharon discusses ongoing reform efforts and the importance of keeping families connected whenever safely possible, as well as why increasing access to support services could benefit not only families, but agencies as well.

The EPPiC Broadcast is hosted by Michael Ramey, President of the Parental Rights Foundation. Stay informed on parental rights news by signing up for email alerts at https://parentalrightsfoundation.org/get-involved/

Support the show