Compton Judge Transforms Courtroom Into Place Where Parent-Child Relationship Is Strengthened

Here are the morning’s top stories on Tuesday, September 17, 2024…

• Babies and toddlers are removed from their homes and placed in  the child welfare system far more than older kids. It’s a traumatic experience that takes place during a pivotal period of development. A judge in Compton is transforming the way she handles cases involving kids under three, by supporting their parents so they can better care for their babies. 
• State energy officials warn Californians will soon see higher gas prices during another annual cost spike. It comes as the legislature prepares to hold hearings on gas prices this week.
• The city of Sacramento could vote Tuesday to declare a state of emergency over road safety. The proposal calls for police to increase enforcement of traffic violations.

She Almost Lost Custody Of Her Baby; A Unique LA County Court Gave Her A Second Chance

In the city of Compton, a one-of-a-kind courtroom is taking a different approach to handling child welfare cases involving babies and toddlers. Outside its door, books and toys fill a waiting room. In one corner, there’s a cozy gliding chair to nurse or rock a baby to sleep and a soft mat that invites kids to play on the floor. Colorful paintings hang on the wall, showcasing Compton’s unique features, like the black cowboys who ride horses through the city.

“We realized that we really wanted to create a space where the children and their families could wait and feel a little bit more comfortable when they have to come to court,” said Ashley Price, a dependency court judge who oversees this courtroom, “It’s already stressful and overwhelming as it is.”

In California, young children, especially babies under 1 year old, are removed from their homes and placed in the child welfare system far more than older kids. They also tend to have longer stays in foster care. It’s a traumatic experience that takes place during a pivotal period of attachment and development.

Judge Price is transforming the way she handles cases involving children under 3 years old by intentionally putting their mental health at the center of decision-making. “The bedrock of our court is recognizing how harmful separation can be and can we find a way around that with extra help and support,” she said.

Gas Prices Spike In California As Lawmakers Hold Hearings On Possible Solutions

Officials with the Department of Petroleum Market Oversight expect gas prices to spike this month, especially in Northern California. This is due to oil refinery maintenance, which slows production and makes gas less available. 

This comes as the legislature is set to hold hearings over the next two weeks to try to come up with a solution to gas prices in the state. Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal would authorize the California Energy Commission to require that petroleum refiners maintain a minimum fuel reserve to avoid supply shortages that create higher prices for consumers.

Sacramento Could Declare Emergency Over Road Safety

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Sacramento City Council is expected to take up a proposal that would declare a state of emergency when it comes to safety on roads.

According to the Sacramento Bee, the resolution would direct the Sacramento Police Department to increase enforcement of traffic violations, including drivers that speed or fail to yield to pedestrians. But some pedestrian and biking advocates tell the paper that more needs to be done from an infrastructure perspective.

So far this year, 21 people have died in traffic collisions in Sacramento.