In the latest episode of my podcast, I sat down with Judge Jamie Rawlinson, who presides over the Coastal Bend Children’s Court in Houston, covering Fort Bend, Galveston, and Wharton counties. This conversation was deeply personal for me—not just as a family law attorney, but as someone who grew up in CPS myself. Our discussion highlighted why early intervention is critical in shaping the futures of children in the system and how we, as legal professionals, advocates, and community members, can do more to prevent kids from slipping through the cracks.
The Importance of Childhood Intervention
Judge Rawlinson, who has spent years advocating for children—first as an assistant county attorney representing CPS and now as a judge—broke down the real-life consequences of delayed intervention. When the warning signs of neglect, trauma, or abuse go unnoticed or unaddressed, children can face long-term consequences in their mental health, education, and ability to form healthy relationships. The judge emphasized that early action can mean the difference between a child finding stability or continuing a cycle of trauma.
Challenges in the Child Welfare System
We also took a hard look at the obstacles that make early intervention difficult. From lack of funding and mental health resources to misconceptions about CPS, there are numerous barriers preventing kids from getting the help they need. One major myth we tackled? That CPS wants to take children away from their families. In reality, CPS works to keep families together whenever possible—removal is a last resort.
Judge Rawlinson also introduced us to Barbara Bischoff, an early intervention court liaison whose work focuses on supporting families before they reach crisis levels. By stepping in early, professionals like Barbara can prevent children from entering the foster care system, helping families address the root causes of their struggles—whether it’s substance abuse, mental health issues, or economic hardship.
The Long-Term Effects of Trauma
As someone who personally experienced the CPS system, I know how early trauma rewires the brain. We discussed how neural pathways form based on a child’s experiences—whether those experiences are filled with stability and care or marked by chaos and neglect. Judge Rawlinson stressed the importance of human connection in shaping a child’s ability to trust and build relationships later in life.
Solutions: What Can Be Done?
Our conversation didn’t just dwell on the problems—we focused on solutions:
✔️ More mental health and substance abuse resources
✔️ Greater community involvement in supporting struggling families
✔️ Better communication between CPS, the courts, and caregivers
✔️ Early intervention initiatives to prevent unnecessary removals
Judge Rawlinson also shared a success story—one that showed how early action helped a family turn things around, keeping a child out of the foster care system and providing them with a stable, loving environment.
Why This Conversation Matters
For those of us who work in family law, these are more than just cases—they are children’s lives. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone who wants to be part of the solution, this episode is for you.
What’s Next?
✅ Visit chrismeyerlawfirm.com for resources on child welfare and early intervention.
✅ Follow the podcast for more discussions on family law, resilience, and making a difference.
This is a conversation we need to keep having—because every child deserves a fair shot at a safe and stable future. Let’s make sure they get it.
(c) 2023 Christopher Meyer Law Firm, PLLC All Rights Reserved The information on this video is for general information, entertainment and educational purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney client relationship Please call (281) 845-2472 if you have any questions about this disclaimer.
Comentários