THE
START

Tatiana A Rodriguez, the founder of Family Matters 1st, emerged as a relentless advocate for change after enduring the heart-wrenching loss of custody to her abuser, a consequence of DCF and court failures.

 

Disillusioned by the same system that shaped her youth, she initiated community discussions, leading to the establishment of Family Matters 1st. Focused on addressing the wrongful separations of marginalized communities, some supportive attorneys' gestures catalyzed expansion.

 

Tatiana, a survivor of this same system and college graduate, transitioned from working within the system to fervently advocating for families, educating, connecting parents to early defense counsel, and actively participating in legislative actions for reform but quickly learning that reform is just continuing to fund more families being separated and since then turned to abolitionist approaches.