CALL FOR PAPERS
Symposium on Fractured Families: Family Separation from Immigration to Foster Care
Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender & Society
February 20, 2026
We are pleased to announce the 2026 Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender & Society Symposium on “Fractured Families: Family Separation From Immigration to Foster Care.” This event will examine the ever-present and oft-overlooked issue of separating children from their parents, an issue that, even though it may make local headlines or the occasional mainstream news, often fades from attention before meaningful change is effectuated. While some mechanisms exist to keep children with their parents, as
we know, this is not always possible, nor is it always the best option. This symposium will address the complex realities behind family separation, including failures of the foster care system, critical immigration issues, and domestic violence, all of which contribute to the separation of families.
With the ultimate goal of exploring and promoting strategies that keep families together and maintain stability within the home, localities are turning towards a host of remedies to fix issues before removal is required. Even after separation, many organizations strive to ensure some form of stability for both separated parents and children. Family separation is sometimes forced, sometimes voluntary, and may be the safest option in times of crisis. The theme of this symposium encompasses issues spanning immigration, foster care, domestic violence, and beyond, acknowledging the intense pressures on families today.
The virtual symposium will feature research and papers comparing a variety of legal issues and pitfalls and evaluating the implications of different legal models as possible solutions. We seek scholarship that addresses all aspects of family separation, including prevention, post-separation plans, re-unification, and broader legal context. The journal will prioritize articles that discuss the intersections of family separation with other legal fields and fields of research. By gathering a wide range of scholarship, the symposium seeks to foster a broad and inclusive discussion about effective legal and policy solutions for legal issues surrounding family separation.
Proposals should be submitted to Jenny Kornreich at jkornreich2@wisc.edu and Lauren Xiong at laxiong3@wisc.edu no later than November 15, 2025. Submissions may be sent after that deadline but are not guaranteed for review or consideration. Submissions may be a finished work or a proposed outline. The Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender & Society will likely publish accepted unpublished submissions. The organizers will communicate their decisions no later than December 1, 2025. If chosen, authors of accepted submissions must commit to submitting a final rough draft of their work no later than February 1, 2026. Authors of accepted submissions must virtually attend and present their work at the symposium on February 20, 2026.
Additionally, the Journal is seeking individuals who are interested in speaking at the symposium about their legal or scholarly work without a publication agreement. The above deadlines apply similarly to speakers’ proposals. Please direct any inquiries to Jenny Kornreich, Senior Symposium Editor (jkornreich2@wisc.edu).