Do No Harm Trauma-focused courts address the roots of family problems—and the traumatic impact of court itself.

Interview by SONIA DIAZ

I grew up hurt and scared. The trauma I went through affected me when I became a mother. Sometimes I would shut myself in my room so that I didn’t scare my kids, and I smoked weed to stay calm.

When I went to court facing neglect charges years ago, no one knew my story and I was afraid to speak up. My lawyer made me plead guilty to neglecting my kids. Even though my kids were not removed, I felt worthless as a mother for years.

So when I learned that some family courts are starting to help people with trauma, I felt good. Finally, someone is listening to people who sometimes can’t even understand what is going on in court.

Do No Harm Trauma-focused courts address the roots of family problems