Shanda Vander Ark, then Shanda Ferguson, voluntarily surrendered custody in 2012, court documents show. Data obtained by 13 ON YOUR SIDE showed Shanda Vander Ark, also known as Shanda Ferguson, had 18 different addresses between Oklahoma and Virginia before settling into this quiet stretch of Norton Shores. It’s where 15-year-old Timothy Ferguson, the alleged victim, came to live with his … [Read more...]
Family Courts’ Worst Trade for Kids: Safe Primary Attachment Figures vs. Abusers with “Rights”
Essay by Barry Goldstein How would a typical family court analyze a case in which they believe a safe mother who is the primary attachment figure has failed to promote the relationship with a father the mother believes is dangerous and abusive? In many ways, this is the typical custody case the courts would call “high conflict,” and experts familiar with current scientific research would call … [Read more...]
New York Legislature: Experts in Child Custody Cases Must be Licensed
Legislation seeking to reform a key aspect of New York's Family Court system passed a crucial hurdle. By a unanimous vote, the state Senate passed the bill raising standards to be a "forensic evaluator" providing paid expertise in Family Court cases. Previously, the same bill had passed the Assembly. The bill is the first among a package seeking to increase child safety in Family Court that … [Read more...]
CA Senate Passes Rubio “Right to Pause” Family Court Bill, Increasing Protections for Children
In a bipartisan and unanimous vote, the California Senate passed a bill today by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) that will protect victims and children by allowing for a pause in visitation if there are recent signs of escalating violent behavior by an abusive parent. Senate Bill 1265, “The Right to Pause Act: Child Custody Protection,” will amend the Family Code. It will clarify that in … [Read more...]
‘The System Failed Eli’ Family of Slain Minnesota 6-Year-Old Speaks Out
Six-year-old Eli Hart was found dead Friday in the trunk of a car police had stopped in Mound and now his mother is now charged in his murder. As the tributes and memorials grow for Eli, some of his family members say that they had expressed concern for his safety before his death, and this never should have happened. Court documents allege Thaler shot Eli up to nine times, and say police … [Read more...]
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