Media

Coverage of Gina Bloom’s story and the growing movement

The Cascade PBS article, “WA mother’s lawsuit spotlights bias in child advocate services,” examines how Gina Bloom lost custody of her children after a court-appointed guardian ad litem (GAL), Brian Parker, portrayed her as unstable despite evidence of her ex-husband’s abuse. The piece highlights systemic issues in family courts, where GALs—often lacking mental health expertise—can disproportionately affect custody outcomes against mothers alleging abuse

The InvestigateWest article, by Kelsey Turner: “Family law experts push legal framework to guide guardian ad litem reform in Washington,” explores a growing statewide effort to establish oversight and clear standards for GALs in family court. Prompted in part by Gina Bloom’s case, the article underscores how unchecked GAL power can lead to civil rights violations and irreparable family harm.

The article from The 19th News examines the significant influence guardians ad litem (GALs) hold in child custody cases, particularly highlighting concerns that their involvement can sometimes lead to mothers losing custody to abusive partners. Through the case study of Gina Bloom in Snohomish County, Washington, the piece illustrates how GALs’ assessments can heavily sway judicial decisions, occasionally to the detriment of abuse survivors

Judge Paul Thompson’s Role in the Bloom Case

In the family law case of Yorks v. Yorks, Judge Paul Thompson of Snohomish County Superior Court issued a ruling that prohibited Gina Bloom from filing reports with Child Protective Services or police unless later deemed “substantiated”—a condition the Washington Court of Appeals found to be an unconstitutional infringement on her First Amendment rights. Despite a formal request to correct the order, Judge Thompson refused.

His ruling relied heavily on testimony from GAL Brian Parker—who was later referred for criminal perjury. An investigation revealed Judge Thompson allowed false testimony to influence the case and delayed action on the perjury, further compromising the integrity of the trial. He volutarily recused himself from the case, but only after significant harm had occurred. Then he continues to reinsert himself in this case.

Thompson is now a named defendant in Gina Bloom’s federal civil rights lawsuit, accused of violating due process, enabling abuse, and suppressing constitutionally protected speech under the color of law.

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Bloom Case Media Highlights

In the Media

Coverage of Gina Bloom’s story and the growing movement

Judge Paul Thompson’s Role in the Bloom Case