Child Advocacy
Empowering the Future through Justice
Extensive scientific research has consistently demonstrated a connection between the consumption of Tylenol or acetaminophen during the second and/or third trimester of pregnancy and the increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Learn More
NEC
Preterm infants fed cow’s milk-based formula face a significantly higher risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a bacterial disease that infects, inflames, damages, and kills the cells in parts or all of the intestines. Despite knowing the risk, Abbott Laboratories, and Mead Johnson, the respective manufacturers of Similac and Enfamil infant formula product lines, fail to adequately convey this increased risk to parents and physicians alike. NEC can lead to injuries to babies that include: intestinal perforation, scarring or strictures in the intestines, sepsis, cerebral palsy, neurological damage, surgery, and death. Learn More
California Clergy Abuse
In California, there have been a number of high-profile cases of sexual abuse by members of the Catholic Church. Many of these cases came to light and revealed that the Catholic Church had covered up abuse by priests for decades. In the wake of this investigation, many victims of abuse came forward to report their experiences, leading to a flood of lawsuits against the church. Sexual abuse by members of the clergy is a serious issue that can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims. Learn More
Southern Baptist Convention Church Abuse
The SBC is a denomination of Evangelical Christian churches in the United States, and is one of the largest Protestant denominations in the country. In recent years, a number of reports have emerged of sexual abuse within Southern Baptist churches and by individuals affiliated with the SBC. Many of these cases involve allegations of abuse by pastors, youth ministers, and other church leaders. These cases have led to a number of lawsuits being filed against Southern Baptist churches and the SBC itself. Learn More
Child Exploitation: Social Media
Social media child exploitation involves the exploitation, grooming, or abuse of children through various social media platforms. This encompasses actions such as sharing or distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), engaging in sexual grooming of children, or exploiting social media to lure children into physical sexual assault. Disturbingly, in 2021 alone, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received 4,877 requests from law enforcement. These requests contained over 35 million images and videos of CSAM. Shockingly, child predators continue to circulate these illicit materials across social media platforms without facing any consequences or being held accountable for their actions. Learn More
Boppy Pillow
On September 23, 2021, Boppy recalled its infant loungers after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the company received reports of eight infant deaths. The recall affects about 1.2 million units of the product sold in the U.S. and Canada. The recall is significant and serious, and the company advises that parents and caregivers stop using the lounger immediately. The products that were recalled are Boppy Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers, and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers. Learn More
Formula Recall
Cronobacter and Salmonella are types of bacteria that can cause serious illness in infants. Cronobacter is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection that primarily affects newborns and infants, and can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infections. the FDA warned consumers to “not use recalled Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formulas produced in Sturgis, Michigan,” referencing the FDA’s investigation of four hospitalizations and two deaths of infants reported to have ingested Abbott’s powdered baby formula. Learn More
Social Media
Facebook whistleblower, Francis Haugen states, “The company’s leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer, but won’t make the necessary changes because they put their astronomical profits before people.” Children’s use of social media can have a devastating effect on a child’s physical, mental, and social well-being, as well as cause feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression. Social media addiction can also lead to a distorted view of reality, as social media often presents a curated version of people’s lives, leading children to believe that they are inadequate in comparison. Learn More
Neocate
Neocate is a brand of medical food used to treat cow’s milk protein allergy and other food allergies in infants and children. It has been reported that some children who were given Neocate products have experienced a variety of negative effects, including fragile bones that break easily, a condition known as rickets that causes skeletal deformities, slowed growth, long-term damage to their bones, and low levels of phosphate in their blood (hypophosphatemia). This lack of phosphate in the blood has been linked to poor absorption of Vitamin D, which is crucial for proper bone growth. Learn More
AWKO Justice Foundation
Founded in 2001, the AWKO Justice Foundation is a non-profit organization with the core objective of addressing the financial needs of our local community.
Our unwavering dedication lies in assisting those in need through numerous donations and charitable endeavors. By actively engaging and collaborating with the community, we aim to promote well-being and personal development.
Our mission is straightforward: to empower our community with the tools for self-determination.
Recognizing that our local students represent the future leaders of our community, we strive to create an environment conducive to their growth and learning, irrespective of their circumstances.
Our firm belief is that equipping the children in our community with the necessary skills and mindset to overcome challenges is indispensable for achieving lifelong success.
Through initiatives like the Justice Mock Trial and the Justice Hope, we endeavor to transform the lives and futures of these young individuals.
We proudly organize numerous events dedicated to giving back to our community. If you are interested in contributing as a volunteer or donating, please visit the Justice Foundation website.