Dismantling the fictions about safety: Mapping the punitive roots of the criminal legal and family policing systems

The punitive dimensions of the criminal legal system are self-evident. On the other hand, the punitive dimensions of the family policing system are cloaked under a guise of child protection, safety, or welfare.

This Brief explores the intertwining punitive roots of the criminal legal and family policing systems by examining four key sites of overlap between the two systems. Surfacing these sites of overlap is important to discourage investments that entrench or obscure harmful and discriminatory laws, policies or procedures.

This Brief aims to inspire advocates and policy makers to dream bigger and tactically prioritize transformative change over tinkering at the margins of the family policing system.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to our generous project funder, the Law Foundation of BC.