Torn: A Podcast About Racial Disparities in the Child Welfare System

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Kelly Sykes, we focus on how the child welfare system uses IQ tests and intellectual disability labels as shortcuts to judge parenting capacity. Dr. Sykes explains why an IQ score doesn’t tell us what a parent can do, how evaluations fail to include meaningful observations or reasonable accommodations, and why these practices harm families.

We also explore the broader systemic problem: child we...

In this episode, Sonia Johnson, Esq. and Classie Colinet, Esq. speak with Dr. Kelly Sykes, a family forensic psychologist, about how child development science is often left out of child welfare decisions. We focus on cases involving parents with intellectual disabilities and how parenting capacity is misunderstood or overlooked. Dr. Sykes shares what she sees in her work, including how evaluations differ between custody and child p...

In this episode of Torn, Classie and Sonia are joined by Roxanne Logan—attorney, clinical social worker, and longtime advocate—for a conversation about how parenting classes are used in the child welfare system. Together, they examine why these classes are often mandatory, rarely relevant, and disconnected from the realities of Black and Brown families.

They share firsthand stories from the field, discuss how culture and surviva...

In this episode of Torn, Sonia Johnson and Classie Colinet focus on mental health in Black communities and what it means for advocates to support their clients with care, context, and cultural understanding. Drawing from personal experience and community history, they talk about how mental health has been treated in Black families, the stigma that still exists, and the slow shift toward healing and openness.

They also speak directly...

When children enter foster care, they lose more than just their homes—they lose their family connections, cultural identity, and access to their history. In this episode, we speak with Shanika Bynum about what it means to truly support children in care, beyond just placement.

Shanika shares insights on how foster care often erases a child’s sense of self, why maintaining family ties and cultural traditions is essential, and how both...

Substance use is one of the most common reasons families become involved with the child welfare system. Advocates and professionals often face challenges in balancing child safety with the need to support parents in recovery.

In this episode, Dr. Bertie Thomas Jr., a licensed professional counselor and founder of Creative Change Counseling, joins the conversation to discuss substance use and its impact on families. He explains the i...

In Part 2 of our discussion on the family regulation system, we continue exploring the ways policies like theChild Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) have shaped child welfare into a system of surveillance, control, and punishment—particularly for Black families.

Angela Olivia Burton and Angeline Montauban return to share their insights on how compliance is often prioritized over family well-being, the role of psychological ...

In this episode of TORN, we’re joined by Angela Olivia Burton and Angeline Montauban to discuss the history and impact of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). Angela and Angeline unpack how CAPTA laid the groundwork for today’s family regulation system and share personal experiences that highlight its harmful effects on families, particularly in marginalized communities.

This conversation explores how CAPTA expande...

This episode of Torn examines how the child welfare system addresses domestic violence and the challenges faced by families, particularly in Black and marginalized communities. Host Sonia Johnson is joined by Lisa Armstrong, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Roxanne Logan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Attorney to discuss:

• The systemic inequities that shape how child welfare approaches domestic violence.
• The impact ...

In this episode, Sonia and Classie sit down with Brian and Tiana, a military couple whose lives were upended when they became involved with the child welfare system. Despite their deep family values rooted in faith, education, and resilience, they were forced to fight to keep their family together.

Through their story, we explore the systemic challenges Black families face, the racial biases embedded in child welfare practices, and...

In this episode of Torn, Sonia and Classie sit down with Dr. Ange Puig, a psychologist with 35+ years of experience, to unpack the role of trauma in the child welfare system. Why are psychological evaluations so common, and do they actually help families?

Dr. Puig challenges the current enforcement-based model and calls for a shift to a preventative, strength-based approach—one that recognizes the resilience of families, particula...

In this episode, Sonia Johnson, Esq. , Classie Colinet Esp., and Dr. Denise Johnson, discuss the realities of child removal in the child welfare system.

Dr. Johnson discusses the deep and lasting impact on children when they’re separated from their families, explaining how they lose not only their home but also their sense of trust and safety.

Dr. Johnson breaks down the psychological effects of removal, the challenges of rebuild...

In this episode Sonia and Classie continue their conversation with Shereen White, Director of Advocacy at Children's Rights and Kelis Houston, Executive Director of Village Arms who are pushing for change in the child welfare system. Kalis shares a behind-the-scenes look at the years of advocacy, legislative challenges, and community resilience that culminated in the ⁠Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare...

In the Season 3 premiere, hosts Sonia Johnson and Classie Colinet sit down with Shireen White, Director of Advocacy at Children’s Rights, and Khalees Houston, Executive Director of Village Arms. They discuss their work addressing systemic racism and the overrepresentation of African American families in Minnesota's child welfare system. Khalees shares how her advocacy led to the creation and passage of the Minnesota African America...

In our first episode of season three, Sonia Johnson, ESQ and Classie Colinet, ESQ talk with Shereen A. White, Director of Advocacy & Policy at Children’s Rights, and Kelis Houston, Founder of Village Arms. They discuss the deep impact of institutional racism in the child welfare system, focusing on how it disproportionately affects Black families in Minnesota.

Shereen and Kelis share their experiences advocating for families an...

In our season two finale of Torn, Sonia and Classie reflect on the journey so far, drawing inspiration from Ida B. Wells and discussing the importance of continuing the fight for a fair child welfare system. They share their thoughts on self-care, hope, the nature of reform, and the impact of collective action.

Your involvement is crucial as we move forward, sharing strategies, insights, and stories that drive change. Thank you for...

In this promo for the season finale of Torn, Sonia and Classie discuss the importance of self-care.

Listen to the full episode on Wednesday, April 17th as they reflect on the journey so far, drawing inspiration from Ida B. Wells and discussing the importance of continuing the fight for a fair child welfare system. They share their thoughts on self-care, hope, the nature of reform, and the impact of collective action.

Your involvem...

In this episode of TORN, hosts Sonia and Classie discuss Rule Out and Best Interest Letters within the child welfare system. Their discussion aims to shed light on the impact these letters have on child welfare cases.

The goal of this episode is to help demystify these important documents for caregivers, advocates, and child welfare professionals, providing them with the knowledge to better navigate and advocate within the system.