Media Advisory on Kenny A. v. Barnes

PRESS RELEASE

Federal judge to hear argument in child welfare lawsuit urging fast-track fact finding on dangerous emergency shelters in Fulton and DeKalb counties

WHAT:
Court arguments by attorneys for children in Fulton and DeKalb counties to obtain fast-track fact finding on dangerous emergency shelter conditions.

WHY:
The defendants seek to block fast-track fact finding on conditions in the emergency shelters. Plaintiff-children argue that quick access is urgently needed because of ongoing harm to children.

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WHO:
Senior Judge Martin H. Shoob, United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia, will hear arguments from the plaintiff-children attorneys:

*Marcia Robinson Lowry, executive director of Children's Rights
*Jane Okrasinski of the Keenan's Kids Law Center.

Judge Shoob will also hear from lawyers for the state and county defendants, including agencies and officials involved in administering the foster care system in Fulton and DeKalb counties.

WHEN:
Friday, June 28: 10:30 AM

WHERE:
1767 Richard B. Russell Federal Building
75 Spring Street, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia.

BACKGROUND

The plaintiff-children accuse Gov. Barnes and the Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) of running a dangerous, chaotic and overburdened foster care system that continues to harm children and violate their rights.

Conditions in emergency shelters in Fulton and DeKalb counties are a glaring example of this. The lawsuit was filed on June 6 in the Superior Court of Fulton County. Lawyers for plaintiff-children sought expedited fact finding from presiding Judge Goger. At a June 18 hearing, Judge Goger indicated that he would grant plaintiffs' request. Lawyers for the defendants then removed the case to Federal Court.

Children's Rights works throughout the United States in partnership with national and local experts, advocates and government officials to document the needs of children in the care of child welfare systems. Children's Rights helps develop realistic solutions and, where necessary, uses the power of litigation to ensure that reform takes place.