Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Family Policing Abolition
“Reclaiming Safety” is an ongoing anthology from upEND Movement answering critical questions about family policing abolition.
By applying an abolitionist lens to envision a world free of family policing, we will explore pressing questions like: If we abolish family policing, what do we do when parents harm children?
We believe exploring these critical issues is necessary to clarify, refine, and articulate our vision for a society where a range of easily accessible and effective responses are available to address harm when harm occurs.
Introduction: Confronting the “What about…” Questions
How should we respond when harm occurs? A new series from upEND Movement seeks to thoughtfully engage with these questions and propose responses grounded in care and compassion.
Reclaiming Safety for Children of Parents with Disabilities
Justice for parents with disabilities and their children first and foremost means power to exert lived experience expertise about one’s own situation, condition, and wellbeing.
Read the Essay by Charisa Smith →
Listen to the Podcast Episode with Dr. Robyn Powell →
Reclaiming Safety for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
Drawing on the wisdom of survivors, this essay challenges us to respond more humanely to child sexual harm in ways that prioritize youth agency, center healing, and hold promise for ending intergenerational cycles of harm, silence, and shame.
Read the Essay by Roxanna Asgarian →
Listen to the Podcast Episode with Roxanna Asgarian →
Reclaiming Safety for Children Whose Parents Use Substances
The authors challenge the family policing system’s assumptions that parental drug use automatically equals harm to a child. They propose concrete steps that hold families together and meet material needs.
Read the Essay by Kassandra Frederique, Dinah Ortiz, and Mark Z →
Listen to the Podcast Episode with Dinah Ortiz →
Reclaiming Safety for Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Kids
Survivors have been clear about what they need to build safety for themselves and their kids: housing, childcare, mental health care, financial stability, community support, and people who will listen without judgment.
Read the Essay by Ashley Albert, Josie Pickens, and Sydnie Mares →
Listen to the Podcast Episode with Ashley Albert →