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Abstract: 

Author Veronica York provides an incisive critique of the handling of child custody cases involving DV by Child Protective Services (CPS). She is well positioned to do so, having gone through her own child custody battle as well as serving as an expert witness in child custody cases across the country. While acknowledging that many CPS workers are dedicated and well-meaning, the author highlights significant flaws in the beliefs, practices, and procedures of CPS, as well as the family court system with which it is partnered, all of which result in children being further harmed rather than protected. The author also offers a lengthy list of recommendations to the family court and child protective systems that, if put into place, would go a long way toward fulfilling the mission of protecting vulnerable children, rather than their abusive parent.

Keywords: Child Protective Services and Custody Cases; Nicholson V. Williams (E.D.N.Y. 2002); Coercive Tactics Used by CPS Against Minority Families; Greenbook Initiative

Affiliations:  1: Certified Family Law Mediator.