COIP Blog: Short-term Guardianship

JS Blog Post November 3, 2014

How Short-term Guardianships Can Help Protect Parent-Child Relationships

Gail Smith

When mothers are arrested, most make arrangements for their children to move in with extended family members or trusted friends. Arrest and incarceration do not automatically mean that a mother has lost her parental rights. A long line of Supreme Court cases provides Constitutional protections to raise one’s own children and to make decisions about their care. These rights are not always honored in practice as they should be, and it is up to all of us to strive to make those rights into realities.

We often find ourselves fighting the state to preserve rights to custody and visits. But sometimes families pose obstacles as well. We wish that all family members would honor the parent-child relationship, and provide regular parent-child contact with the knowledge that the children need it. But sometimes family drama trumps the children’s best interest. Guardianship cases in Probate Court often end up determining where the children will live, and the future of the family. Read more »

Monthly Feature

Formerly Incarcerated & Convicted People's Movement Western Regional Conference

Convened by All of Us or None & Legal Services for Prisoners with Children

Sunday, September 20th & Monday, September 21st

Formerly incarcerated and convicted people, family members, community and spiritual leaders, elected officials and government employees will all come together to strengthen our relationships and work towards making change through community empowerment. We invite you to Voice your opinion, learn your rights and learn what changes we can make together. All of Us or None Contact: (415)-255-7036 ext. 337 www.prisonerswithchildren.org

FREE REGISTRATION: eventbrite.com