Jane M. Spinak on The End of Family Court

Leonard Lopate at Large on WBAI Radio in New York

According to renowned advocate for children’s welfare and juvenile justice Jane M. Spinak, at the turn of the twentieth century, American social reformers created the first juvenile court. They imagined a therapeutic court where informality, specially trained public servants, and a kindly, all-knowing judge would assist children and families. But the dream of a benevolent means of judicial problem-solving was never realized. A century later, children and families continue to be failed by this deeply flawed court. Jane M. Spinak illustrates how the procedures and policies of modern family court are deeply entwined in a heritage of racism, a profound disdain for poverty, and assimilationist norms intent on fixing children and families who are different. Join us when Spinak shares strategies that center trusting and respecting the abilities of communities to create and sustain meaningful solutions for families on this installment of Leonard Lopate at Large.