Child Welfare: A Universal Moral Duty, Not a Political Issue
By Erica Fischer-Kaslander
Child abuse and child welfare should never be political. Yet, in today’s world of polarized discourse, even the most fundamental issues -- like protecting vulnerable children -- are sometimes swept into partisan debates. But the truth is simple: Child abuse is not a political issue. It is a human issue that affects families and communities regardless of party affiliation, ideology, or beliefs.
Each year, nearly 400,000 children in the United States enter the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect. In New Jersey, the latest data indicates nearly 35,000 children are involved in some aspect of the child welfare system. These children are assigned caseworkers and attorneys and, in some cases, placed into foster care, and supported by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA volunteers). These dedicated advocates ensure children's best interests are protected and their needs are met, while the child and case in which they are involved navigate the complexities of the system.
If we allow child welfare to become a partisan issue, we lose sight of our fundamental moral obligation to protect all children. Policies that support child protection services, foster care reform, mental health support, and early intervention programs should not be matters of political contention. These are, after all, basic, essential services that ensure vulnerable children receive care and stability.
Funding for child welfare programs must remain a bipartisan priority. This includes:
Federal funding for critical family support programs that provide assistance with housing, healthcare, food, childcare, and education.
Foster care funding and adoption subsidies critical to supporting children in safe, nurturing homes.
Federal funding and nonprofit grants sustaining programs like CASA, including Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding and the federal CASA program funded through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, as well as Health Resources & Service Administration (HRSA) funding supporting infant-toddler court programs nationally, and our Safe Babies Court Team.
Funding for courts and court improvement projects that ensure justice for children and families.
The well-being of children transcends party lines. It is up to each of us -- regardless of background or beliefs -- to ensure every child has a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. Members of Congress and the Senate must prioritize the needs of New Jersey’s children and families in all decision-making, including federal budgeting and appropriations. Any freeze or cut to federal and state funding for child and family services will have devastating consequences, leaving vulnerable children and families without desperately needed resources.
Regardless of political ideology, we can all make a difference:
Financially support local child advocacy programs like CASA that provide trained volunteers to represent the best interests of children in the court system.
Become personally involved by volunteering as an advocate or foster parent, and supporting organizations that serve at-risk children.
Advocate for strong child welfare policies prioritizing prevention, intervention, and support services.
Educate others on the reality of child abuse across all communities and the need for bipartisan solutions that protect children first.
As the world grows increasingly divided, it is our responsibility to unite around this critical issue. If not us, then who? Children rely on adults in the room to come together and agree they deserve protection and safety. Protecting children is not a political issue; it is and always will be a moral duty.
Join us at Child Focus as a child advocate or donor to ensure crucial work continues and children remain the priority despite a daily political grind. Together let’s stand in the gap for children and families in crisis, because every child deserves a safe, stable, and permanent home.
Erica Fischer-Kaslander is Executive Director of Child Focus.
Child Focus, based in Wayne, prioritizes the needs and well-being of infants, children, and teens impacted by or at risk of abuse and neglect by amplifying their voices and working toward lasting, permanent solutions that address their unique situations and provide the support needed to thrive. This critical work is accomplished through three distinct but complementary programs: CASA of Passaic and Union Counties, NJ Safe Babies Court Team, and the Open Door Store. For information, log on to www.childfocusnj.org.