End TPR Gatherings (Via Zoom)

This series of virtual gatherings aims to deepen understanding and challenge the regular use of Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) as a legal permanency outcome in child welfare proceedings. Virtual gatherings will provide a dedicated space for attendees to learn, connect and support each other in their efforts to challenge the legal practice of TPR. Expert presenters will delve into the data, intergenerational harms, and legal implications of TPR, while sharing insights from both legal and lived experiences.

The End TPR Initiative's virtual gatherings are held monthly on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. EST. Each gathering is followed by a workshop on the proceeding Monday at 1:00 p.m. EST. The workshop serves as a space to further discuss the topics addressed in the gatherings, strategize with new ideas, ask questions, and share experiences with TPR in a smaller group setting. Please email Alex Cinney at [email protected] for access to the workshop space.

Recordings of the virtual gatherings can be found on this page. Workshops will not be recorded.

Whether you're looking to learn more about the challenges to TPR or seeking to advance your advocacy in this area, we invite you to join us for these critical conversations.

January 2025: Why We Should End TPR

January 8, 2025

The first End TPR virtual gathering featured panelists Shrounda Selivanoff, Sheri Freemont and Vivek Sankaran who critically examined the involuntary termination of parental rights (TPR) under law. Panelists challenged the assumption that TPR serves the best interests of children and families and highlighted the lasting and intergenerational harm caused by the legal severance of family ties. The discussion explored the due process and constitutional concerns surrounding TPR and raised important questions about the systemic failures that contribute to its use.

Due to a system error, the panelist introductions were not recorded. Please see below for the panelist's information. 

Shrounda Selivanoff – Chief of Parent Representation Initiatives with the WA State Office of Public Defense

Sheri Freemont – Managing Director of the Judicial and National Engagement Consulting team at Casey Family Programs

Vivek Sankaran – Director of the Child Advocacy Law Clinic and Child Welfare Appellate Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School

Additional Resources

• Washington State House Bill 1747 "Keeping Families Together"
• Mining for Gold, Audio Nuggets Podcast:
  • Episode 7- Family Is Not Important, It's Everything - MINING FOR GOLD
• The Proximity Process Podcast:
  • A Families Fight for Parental Rights with Shrounda Selivanoff: Part One
  • A Families Fight for Parental Rights with Shrounda Selivanoff: Part Two
  • Termination of Parental Rights with Vivek Sankaran
  • TPR and the Michigan Supreme Court with Vivek Sankaran

Virtual Gathering Schedule

January 2025 Topic: Why We Should End TPR

• Virtual Gathering - Wednesday 1/8 at 1:00 p.m. EST
• Workshop - Monday 1/13 at 1:00 p.m. EST
• Registration: Closed.

February 2025 Topic: Challenging TPR with Constitutional Arguments

• Virtual Gathering - Wednesday 2/19 at 1:00 p.m. EST
• Workshop - Monday 1/24 at 1:00 p.m. EST
• Registration: click here

March 2025 

• Virtual Gathering - Wednesday 3/19 at 1:00 p.m. EST
• Workshop - Monday 3/24 at 1:00 p.m. EST
• Registration: Coming soon

April 2025 

• Virtual Gathering - Wednesday 4/16 at 1:00 p.m. EST
• Workshop - Monday 4/21 at 1:00 p.m. EST
• Registration: Coming soon

May 2025 

• Virtual Gathering - Wednesday 5/21 at 1:00 p.m. EST
• Workshop - Wednesday 5/28 at 1:00 p.m. EST *note the change to Wednesday rather than Monday due to the holiday
• Registration: Coming soon

June 2025 

• Virtual Gathering - Wednesday 6/18 at 1:00 p.m. EST
• Workshop - Monday 6/23 at 1:00 p.m. EST
• Registration: Coming soon

To be added to the listserv for announcements about future virtual gatherings and/or the subsequent workshop meetings, please email Alex Cinney at [email protected].