Mission Statement
Families Against Court Travesties, Inc. (FACTS)’ mission is to assist families who have been placed into a crisis situation by the family courts or other government agencies. By implementing a court-monitoring and reporting system, our goal is to ensure that the best interests of the child prevail in family court and that due process and equity are the norm. We are also committed to educating the public on these issues.
Goals
- Educate and hold the Justice System accountable for its actions
- Judges who keep children’s welfare above all
- Lawyers who encourage speedy, equitable resolution of their cases
- Parents who restrain their impulse for revenge
- Children who are allowed to maintain positive contact with both parents
- Family courts which adhere to the rules of evidence, due process and constitutional rights
- Judiciary that is independent, implements court orders consistently and supports financial equity
Who We Are
Formed by a coalition of Family Court victims and activists in 2003 by the South Palm Beach County Chapter of NOW, FACTS is primarily concerned that the family court system is harming children by treating them as property, ignoring their rights to contact with both parents, denying their parents due process, and in general not considering the children’s best interests. Some of us are victims of these injustices, some are friends and family members of victims, and some are simply devoted to healthy children and families.
What We Have Accomplished
Aside from going to the courtroom for hearings and trials, we write up evaluations of the judges and they are aware of our presence. We’ve been instrumental in removing Family Court Judges from the bench. We’ve actively participated in the election of judges. We’ve given testimony to the Florida Supreme Court about Fairness & Diversity in the courts. We’ve staged protests against terrible judges in front of several courthouses and the Appellate Court, and gotten news coverage. We’ve witnessed the Judicial Nominating Committee in action and contributed feedback to the members. We have created a Helpline and conduct monthly membership meetings.
As the need and opportunity arises, we act.