It should be illegal to hurt children. But many state and local systems are overcrowded, underfunded, or turn a blind eye to neglect and abuse. And it's getting harder to get into court to ensure that failing systems improve. Our ability to enforce our children's rights is being threatened. In many cases, people with limited financial means have their claims dismissed before they can even get into court. Lawsuits are painful for everyone, but sometimes they are the only way to obtain justice for violations of basic rights.