As a policy advocate focused on child, youth, and family safety, I often hear from the community when our systems fail to protect children and youth from harm. In recent years, I have heard from caregivers, grandparents and community members who have grave concerns for the children and youth that they love. Stories that include extreme violence, sexual violence, coercive control, and more.
Many of these narratives reflect the lack of capacity for the Vermont Department for Children and Families to intervene, mistakes in court paperwork, and the inability to ensure that the experience of the child is heard by a judge.
When a judge makes a decision without all of the necessary information, children remain at risk. The protective parent is often required to deliver the child experiencing trauma to the abusive caregiver. This creates a violation in trust and teaches the child that abuse is an acceptable part of life that they need to endure.
Instead, we should create structures where healthy boundaries are set on behalf of children and youth. It is critical that we give youth the opportunity to speak and that we listen to them when they share.
H.224, a bill that was informed by constituent experience and introduced by Rep. Garofano of Essex, has the potential to support youth voice in court. As drafted, H.224 will allow youth ages 14 and older to share their experiences with a judge, either through the typical court process or through an alternative means if desired. It will also allow children and youth under age 14 to share their experience if doing so is deemed by the court to be in their best interest.
Vermont is the only state in the country that does not have a specific carve-out for youth voice when custody decisions are made on their behalf. H.224 aims to change that. Vermont’s current court structure is not providing the appropriate safeguards for child safety when decisions of custody are made. I urge the Legislature to prioritize H.224 this year.
Amy Rose
Middlesex
Policy associate with Voices for Vermont’s Children
