Justice in Jeopardy“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” Martin Luther King Jr.
Equal justice under lawFor mothers Carol and Susan, and for teenager Jackson, these four words represent a remarkable story. Because without an efficient and accessible system of courts—along with legal help and representation—the ending to each of their stories would be vastly different. Since 2004, the agencies of the Washington state judicial branch have worked together on an issue paramount to our basic legal obligation of equal justice under law. Called “Justice in Jeopardy,” this multiyear initiative is aimed at funding and fixing the deficiencies in the judicial system for residents in our state. There is a justice gap—and it is growing! From Walla Walla to Wenatchee and from Bellingham to Battle Ground, justice is out of reach for far too many.
Funding the judicial branch is more than a phrase etched in stone. It’s about ensuring that basic rights and protections are granted to all citizens in our state. And today, in this especially challenging economic environment, it is more important than ever to support, maintain and expand these critical services for our most vulnerable citizens. Resources“Carol” was lucky. When her children were removed from her home and placed in foster care because of behavioral issues, she was appointed a Parents Representation Program attorney. The attorney encouraged Carol to get help for her troubled son. He also suggested Carol work to improve her own life. While her children were in foster care, Carol completed parenting classes, along with group and individual therapy. Her son Jared was diagnosed with ADHD and hearing problems.Today, Carol’s children are happily reunited with her–and Carol is studying to become a nurse. “Susan,” the mother of three children and three foster children, found out that her house was in foreclosure and her family might soon lose it altogether. With help from the Northwest Justice Project, Susan discovered the bank hadn’t given her proper notice to avoid foreclosure. Her attorney negotiated a reduced payment and Susan was able to pay off the balance and keep her family home. “Jackson” was 15 years old when police removed him from his home for allegedly assaulting his mother, brother and sister. He was placed in custody, then in foster care. Due to a lack of resources for juveniles, Jackson languished in foster care while his parents fought an intense custody battle. The case was continued several times due to a lack of courtrooms. Two months before his 18th birthday, Jackson’s case finally came to trial. By then, he was estranged from his mother and siblings. Additional resources for Jackson and his family could have expedited his trial, and may have kept a family intact. |
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