Student Editor’s Note

This issue of the Family Law Quarterly focuses on the new Restatement of the Law, Children and the Law. The treatment of children in the law varies by jurisdiction and continues to face complex debate. Still, one common goal across courts is promoting and protecting the well-being of children. The Restatement captures this goal, and with its recent approval from the American Law Institute last year, it has made history as the first Restatement that comprehensively evaluates the legal regulation of children. It specifically provides guidance on developments in law in four core sections: Children in Families, Children in Schools, Children in the Justice System, and Children in Society. Since the project’s inception, the Restatement has been and will continue to be a revolutionary resource for practitioners in the field of Family Law.

With the Restatement’s upcoming publication, the Family Law Quarterly is both honored and excited to further bring this project alive, with this issue featuring articles from the very reporters and advocates of this invaluable resource, including Professors Elizabeth S. Scott, Clare Huntington, Solangel Maldonado, and David Thronson. The authors provide unique insights into the “Child Wellbeing Framework” underlying the Restatement. They discuss how the Restatement reflects the development of law in several areas, including juvenile justice reforms that consider youth development, the cross-section between family law and immigration law with advocacy for children seeking special immigrant juvenile status, and the recognition of grounds of state intervention while balancing and minimizing risks to children and families.

It has been such a privilege to work with the authors on putting together such a pivotal issue of the Family Law Quarterly and to share information about the new Restatement with the Family Law Section. Thank you for providing your key insights in the field and for allowing us to be a part of this rewarding journey. Furthermore, this would not have been possible without the immense amount of hours and dedication our team of student editors contributed to preparing the issue for publication. I also would like to extend my appreciation for the 2024–2025 Student Editorial Board, who have been extraordinary leaders since they stepped into their roles this past summer. Lastly, on behalf of the entire Family Law Quarterly Student Editorial Board and editors—thank you to the American Bar Association for your unwavering support.

Nimra Tariq

Student Editor-in-Chief, Family Law Quarterly

New York Law School

Juris Doctor Candidate 2025