Lake Forest To Proclaim November 'Family Court Awareness Month'

LAKE FOREST, CA — On Tuesday, the Lake Forest City Council plans to proclaim November 2021 as "Family Court Awareness Month."

Created by the grassroots organization One Mom's Batte, in collaboration with the California Protective Parents Association, the mission is to draw attention to shortcomings in the family court system. The group seeks to start conversations, develop solutions and advocate for child victims in the judicial system, especially domestic violence.

The 2021 Family Court Awareness Month campaign was initiated by Vanessa Hall, Administrative Specialist for the City of Lake Forest. It was submitted by city clerk Lisa Berglund and approved by Debra Rose, the city manager.

One Mom's Battle, founded by Tina Swithin of San Luis Obispo, shared the month's meaning.

"Family Court Awareness Month is my way to scrub the issue down to a foundational level so that we can start having tough conversations" about why the Family Court System is broken, Swithin wrote on Facebook.

The idea involves change at a community level through proclamations and resolutions adopted by elected officials who pledge to support child safety in family court.

The Center for Judicial Excellence reports that over 800 children have suffered violence and even been murdered due to family court failures.

It is a small step forward, but Lake Forest City Council is taking a stand.