Tag: mental-health
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Champlin Tragedy Raises Hard Questions About Family Court, Custody Transitions, and Child Safety
A tragic child homicide in Champlin, Minnesota, following a temporary custody ruling is raising urgent questions about how family courts handle high-conflict cases, mental-health risk, and child safety during custody transitions.
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VIGO COUNTY LOOKS TO OPIOID FUNDS TO SUPPORT FAMILY COURT COUNSELING PROGRAM
Vigo County officials are debating using opioid settlement funds for trauma counseling linked to family court cases, aimed at addressing issues arising from high-conflict divorces. Judge Reddy argues that early intervention can prevent future substance abuse and mental health crises. However, there are concerns about expanding spending beyond addiction treatment focus.
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Indiana Lawmakers Revisit the “Gabby Petito Act”: A Public Safety Tool Worth Getting Right
As the 2026 legislative session begins, Indiana lawmakers revisit domestic violence response strategies. Rep. Maureen Bauer’s reintroduced “Gabby Petito Act” mandates lethality assessments by police on domestic disturbance calls to enhance victim safety and officer awareness. The bill aims for better intervention without imposing rigid mandates on law enforcement.
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When Compassion Waits for a Crime: Wisconsin’s Mental Health Law Faces a Hard Question
A Milwaukee mental health crisis that ended with children placed in danger is forcing Wisconsin to confront a hard question: should the law wait for a crime before allowing intervention, or can public safety and civil liberties be balanced sooner?
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Ohio Family Court Scandal Deepens Trust Crisis in Domestic Relations System
Leslie Ann Celebrezze’s resignation and felony charge for tampering with court records have sparked nationwide concerns about integrity in family courts. Accusations include bias in case assignments and undisclosed romantic ties to a court receiver. The scandal highlights the need for reform in court practices to restore public trust and accountability.
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Minnesota Child Welfare Reform Hits Constitutional Roadblock, Raising National Questions
A Minnesota child welfare reform aimed at reducing racial disparities in foster care faces constitutional challenges. A court ruling found that the state’s phased rollout violates the Equal Protection Clause, limiting protections based on race. While not entirely struck down, this decision raises significant legal questions about race-based policies in child welfare reform.
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A New Abuse and Neglect Court Comes to Michigan — and Why Wisconsin Should Pay Attention
St. Joseph County, Michigan, is launching a $60,000 specialized Abuse and Neglect Court in 2026 to address child welfare cases linked to parental substance abuse. This family treatment court model focuses on accountability and quick family reunification while raising concerns about access to resources and due process, prompting broader implications for neighboring states like Wisconsin.
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Cleveland City Council Says Mayor Bibb Is Slow-Walking ‘Tanisha’s Law’ — Raising Big Questions About Public Safety and Accountability
Cleveland’s “Tanisha’s Law,” intended to replace police with behavioral-health clinicians in non-violent emergency situations, faces internal political strife as council members accuse Mayor Bibb’s administration of delays in implementation. Key concerns include clinician preparedness, public safety, and accountability, highlighting the need for thoughtful reform over mere rhetoric in similar initiatives.