Survivors and Professionals Speak Out
In this fourth installment of the investigative series on Jessica St. Clair and her entanglement with the Orange County family court system, we delve into firsthand accounts from victims and expert opinions. These voices collectively reveal a troubling pattern of misconduct, misrepresentation, and unethical practices with devastating consequences for families.
For essential context, I strongly encourage readers to explore Part One, Part Two, and Part Three of this series. These articles provide a foundation for understanding the complexities of the issues surrounding Jessica St. Clair, including her disputed credentials, her role in key family law cases, her professional associations, and her significant influence over family court judges operating within a deeply flawed system.
Jessica St. Clair, court translator and educator, Orange Coast Magazine December 1990Photo byJulie M. Anderson Holburn
Joana Castro: A System That Failed to Protect
Joana Castro’s early life was shaped by abuse. At 13, her mother allowed a 23-year-old man to sexually abuse her. By 14, Joana was forced to live with him. At 15, she became his wife and the mother of their first child. This abusive relationship shaped much of Joanas early life. After years of physical and emotional abuse, Joana was seeking assistance from the Orange County family court system in 2008.y years of physical and emotional abuse, left Joana seeking help from the Orange County family court system in 2008.