“The terms traditionally used to describe the system are all positive. ‘Child welfare system’ implies that the system’s purpose is to improve or protect the welfare of children. ‘Child protective services’ states that they are services, and that these services are designed to protect children. ‘Foster care’ explicitly states that it is a form of care. In fact, this system is not about child or family welfare, protection, or care. This system is about regulating, policing, punishing and destroying families.” – Dorothy Roberts

Although some education advocates considered Friday’s vote a victory, others said the changes were not inclusive of L.G.B.T.Q. youth and did not do enough to expand students’ knowledge of consent.

“We know that trauma shows up in many ways. There are many iterations of it. It is systemic, which is why it really does demand or require a systemic solution and response,” Pressley said in her opening remarks.

While childhood trauma affects all children, she said the legislation is especially focused on Black, brown, indigenous and immigrant youth.