Dear John,
As is often the case, there is both good news and bad in
the effort to protect families and especially children. It’s a reminder why we
can never lose sight of the need to stay active in our communities and to pray,
vote, and engage.
This week, you won’t believe what California is trying to
do, but I hope you’ll rejoice with us about another legal win for kids
struggling with their God-given identity.
What if a total
stranger could walk into your child’s school, hand over a one-page form, and
walk out with your child—no questions asked?
That’s not a
far-fetched scenario. It’s what California Assembly Bill 495 could
allow—and it’s something every American parent should be paying attention to.
This bill, called
the “Family Preparedness Plan Act,” might sound helpful on the surface. But
here’s what it actually does: it lets nearly any adult—labeled a
“caregiver,” even if unrelated to the child—assume full authority over a child
with just a signed affidavit.
- No court involvement.
- No background checks.
- No notification to the parents.
And schools would
be required to honor it.
Let that sink in.
Under this law, a parent could have no idea their child has been released into
the care of someone else—someone with zero legal or personal connection to
their family. That person could then make decisions about schooling, medical
care, even mental health treatment—with the same legal power as a parent.
Legal experts
aren’t mincing words. They’ve warned this is a “child trafficker’s and
kidnapper’s dream.” And they’re right. It completely bypasses parental
rights and leaves children vulnerable—under the pretense of helping in an
emergency.
If it sounds
unbelievable, that’s exactly why it should raise red flags. Because if this
policy is enacted in California—the most populated state in the nation—it won’t
stop there. These ideas spread, especially when activists see an
opportunity to replace parents with bureaucratic systems and “caregivers” who
may not have a child’s best interest at heart.
This is about
more than California. It’s about defending the God-given rights of
parents—and protecting kids from harm.
If you live in
California—or know someone who does—please help spread the word. Follow our
allies at California Family Council, who are leading the charge to stop
this dangerous bill and protect families. Get updates and take action here »
We are thrilled
to extend heartfelt congratulations to Statesman Academy® alumnus, Arkansas Rep. Robin Lundstrum, for her instrumental role in
protecting children and parental rights.
As the lead
sponsor of the groundbreaking Save Adolescents From Experimentation (SAFE)
Act in 2021—the first state Help Not Harm law based on FPA’s model bill,
prohibiting puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sex-change surgeries for
minors—Rep. Lundstrum stood unwavering in defense of childhood and biological
truth. After weathering years of legal challenges, the federal Eighth
Circuit Court of Appeals has now affirmed the law, clearing the way for its
enforcement—a major win for parental rights and medical integrity, but most
especially for children who need true help, not harm.
This brings the
Eight Circuit into line with the recent landmark Supreme Court ruling in United
States v. Skrmetti, which gave constitutional approval to all 25 state Help
Not Harm laws. Please join us in celebrating this moment—and in gratitude for
courageous lawmakers like Rep. Lundstrum, whose devotion to biblical values and
parental rights continues to bear fruit across our nation.
For our families,
