This past week, families from across Alabama traveled to Montgomery.

They attended public meetings and observed state proceedings related to child welfare oversight. They listened to presentations, noted responses, and documented what occurred in the room.

No commitments were made. No resolutions were announced. The meetings proceeded as scheduled.

What changed was presence.

Families who are typically represented only through case files and reports were physically present in the spaces where policy and oversight occur. They watched the process in real time and recorded what was said and what was not addressed.

This Sunday Spotlight recognizes the families who took the time to show up, remain present, and bear witness.