Ropes & Gray LLP and DC KinCare Alliance have filed two additional federal lawsuits against the District of Columbia and the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) for violating the rights of low-income D.C. children and their relative caregivers under federal and D.C. laws through the practice of hidden foster care or kinship diversion.

Judge Ana Reyes denied DC’s Motion to Dismiss with respect to the federal Social Security Act and DC Child Abuse and Neglect and tort law claims.

DC argues that “so-called ‘kinship diversion’ is not prohibited by any federal or local law.”

Plaintiffs C.G.1, C.G.2, C.G.3, N.G. S.K, K.H., K.J., M.M., L.E., L.C., and T.C.1 respectfully submit this memorandum of points and authorities in opposition to the District of Columbia (“D.C.”) and the DC Child and Family Services Agency’s (“CFSA”) (collectively, the “Defendants”) Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ Complaint (the “Motion to Dismiss” or “Motion”). For the reasons […]

Defendants the District of Columbia and Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) (collectively, the District) move to dismiss plaintiffs’ Amended Complaint with prejudice under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6).

Foster Kinship contends that CFSA discriminates when it diverts children and refuses to license their kin caregivers as foster parents, which results in various harms, including being denied access to the benefits, support, and protections given to foster parents.

The Alliance for Children’s Rights files a Brief for Amicus Curiae contending DC’s diversion practice fails to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of abused and neglected children.

DC Volunteer Lawyers Project files Amicus Curiae Brief contending DC’s diversion practices are illegal.

Judge Hogan orders six federal cases consolidated. The March 2021 cases are stayed pending rulings on the Motions to Dismiss in the KS and SK cases. Oral argument on the MTD is scheduled for July 28, 2021 at 11:00 am.  Members of the public may listen on: 1-877-402-9753, Code: 6258087#.

DC KinCare Alliance and the law firm of Ropes & Gray LLP file four additional federal lawsuits on behalf of nine plaintiffs.  In total, DC KinCare Alliance and Ropes & Gray have filed six lawsuits on behalf of 20 plaintiffs challenging CFSA’s illegal practice of hidden foster care, also known as kinship diversion.