8 Research Reflection by Ximena Franco

Faculty Mentor: Annie Isabel Fukushima (Ethnic Studies, University of Utah)

When beginning studying my major, I was surprised to learn how many demographics- across cultures, religions, political spheres, and communities- are generally left unprotected from criminal activity. One of those unprotected demographics that broke me was children. As I began doing personal research on how children become victims of criminal behavior, I realized that there remains many knowledge gaps. My research question aimed to address one of the knowledge gaps and analyze how the Utah court system responds to a child’s psychological needs after witnessing/experiencing domestic violence. The concept is very difficult and there were moments where I need to step away and calm down before continuing. However, it has become more and more clear that even in the justice system, children are not completely safe; their needs for stability and safety are not fully met. This remains a troubling thought for me and it begs the questions that if children are currently not safe in the system, where are they safe? And how can the system become a place where a child’s safety is at the forefront of any decision making? Before my research, I was interested in achieving a legal career, either in the criminal or immigration fields. However, I now am considering pursuing a career in child welfare/advocacy. Whether it means I become a therapist for children, achieving a position of counselor/advisor for the local or state government, a lawyer specializing in child protection, or becoming a foster parent, I aim to work in some capacity that may be able to provide safety and resources to children who experience danger in their lives.