The upEND Movement is a collaborative movement that works to abolish the existing child welfare system, which is built on a model of surveillance and separation and is more accurately described as a family policing system. Abolition requires both ending this oppressive system AND imagining and creating new community-based ways of keeping children safe and protected in their homes and communities. In this way, abolition is not about simply ending the child welfare system; it is about creating the conditions in society where the need for a child welfare system is obsolete.

 

Through research, storytelling, and the support of grassroots advocacy, upEND builds public interest in the abolition of the child welfare system and engages powerful voices in changing policy and narrative. We use digital spaces and on-the-ground partnerships to reach influential advocates in this work. upEND also co-designs policies, practices, supports, and research that support families in thriving and remaining together.