Oregon Family Court Reform Initiative
We are working toward practical, constitutional reforms that protect families, improve outcomes for children, and bring transparency to family courts.
Key Reform Areas
- Constitutional Standards: Require clear legal findings and evidence before restricting parental rights or relationships.
- Measured “Best Interests”: Define child wellbeing using measurable developmental factors, not vague impressions.
- Professional Accountability: Establish oversight, transparent methods, and complaint processes for evaluators and other court-appointed professionals.
- Shared Parenting: Use shared parenting as the default starting point for fit parents, adjusting only when evidence shows a different arrangement is necessary for safety.
- Transparency: Expand access to records, rationales, and data so that patterns of decisions can be examined and improved.
Working with Legislators & Leaders
Family First Oregon is developing model policy language and legislative briefing materials. We invite lawmakers, judges, bar leaders, and agency heads who are interested in solutions to connect with us and explore collaborative reforms.