Dean is only 14 years old, but he has already endured more trauma than most of us will in a lifetime. Despite begging the court not to send him back to his abusive father, Dean’s voice was ignored. He told professionals, “If I go with him, I won’t come back.” Instead of protecting him, the court forced him into the custody of the very person he feared.

That night, Dean was taken far from his home, his school, and his protective family. Terrified, he ran away and disappeared into the night. For over 24 hours, no one knew if he was alive or safe. He finally managed to get to a family friend’s home, but the system still threatens to return him to danger.

What makes this all the more tragic is that Dean is an incredibly intelligent, kind, and respectful young man. While testifying, the Court lectured Dean that “every adult in his life had failed him” but then asked him only a handful of shallow questions, ignoring his maturity and insight. They dismissed his strong preference to remain with his protective parent and failed to recognize the intelligence he clearly possesses—intelligence so advanced that he independently researched and understood his own case. The Court accepted the false narrative that Dean is “disrespectful and uncontrollable,” a story crafted by his father. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Dean earned a full scholarship to one of the nation’s most highly rated STEM schools. His teachers, counselors, and coaches describe him as brilliant, hardworking, and deeply respectful. He fought to earn his place at this top school, and removing him now would cause irreparable harm to his education and his future.

But Dean’s story is not just about one child—it is about a family court system that refuses to follow the very laws our state has already passed. Protections like Family Code §3044, Piqui’s Law, and Kayden’s Law were written and signed into law by our elected leaders to keep children like Dean safe. Yet judges like Palvir Shoker continue to ignore them.

Family court is state policy, and the decision makers are clear: Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and the senators and assembly members—like Senator Rubio—who fought to pass these protections. Years ago, JLAC ordered an audit into family courts after advocates demanded more judicial oversight. The conclusion? More review was still needed. Years have passed, and children are still being silenced, dismissed, and handed to abusers. It is time to move from awareness to accountability.

Over 950 children have already been murdered in custody disputes in the past 15 years because courts refused to take abuse seriously.

This fundraiser is to help Dean and his family fight back—through legal fees, safe housing, and raising awareness so no other child has to endure what Dean is going through. Every dollar goes toward protecting Dean and pushing for real oversight and accountability so that the laws passed in California are actually enforced. Children deserve futures filled with safety, healing, and hope.

Dean asked the court one simple question: “Will you listen to me?” The court didn’t. But you can.

Please donate today and share Dean’s story. Together, we can protect him and demand accountability from the leaders responsible for fixing this broken system.