The so-called “child welfare” system operates to punish parents and families, not to advance child well-being. Following the lead of impacted families and organizers, we reject the terms “child protection” and “child welfare” and instead refer to this system as the “family policing” system.

Additionally, we use the word “mamas” as a gender-inclusive term to refer to all birthing people—cis, trans, and gender-expansive individuals—who care for our families, communities, and movements.

Digital portraits by Christen Austin.

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