Kentucky: Court of Justice - Kentucky Family Court's History

1914

• First United States Recorded Family Court

The first recorded Family Court was established in Hamilton County, (Cincinnati), Ohio in 1914.

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1961

• First Statewide Family Court

The first statewide Family Court was established in Rhode Island in 1961.

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1965

• Hawaii Passes Family Court Act

In, 1965 Hawaii passed a Family Court Act, which at that time was the most comprehensive Family Court jurisdiction in the United States.

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1968

• Family Court Established in South Carolina

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1970

• Family Court Established in District of Columbia

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1979

• Family Court Established in Louisiana

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1982

• First Proposal for Family Court in Kentucky

In 1982, Justice Charles Leibson organized an ad hoc committee to develop a proposal for a Family Court in Jefferson County, Kentucky.

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1983

• Kentucky Supreme Court Approves Plan for Family Court

In April of 1983 the Kentucky Supreme Court approved a tentative plan for a Family Court system in Jefferson County, Kentucky.

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1984

• Family Court Established in New Jersey

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1988 - 1989

• Establishment of a Feasibility Task Force

•House Concurrent Resolution No. 30

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 30

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
REGULAR SESSION 1988
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 30
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1988

     A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION establishing the Family Court Feasibility Task Force.
     WHEREAS, the Kentucky General Assembly considers the American family to be the framework upon which a prosperous and healthy society is built and maintained in this nation and Commonwealth; and
     WHERAS, the various courts of the Commonwealth are routinely required to make judicial determinations which drastically affect the character and viability of particular Kentucky families; and
     WHERAS, the subjects of such judicial determination include, bur are not limited to, matters concerning dissolution of marriage, spousal maintenance, child support, adoption, termination of parental rights, establishment of paternity, domestic violence, and juvenile offenses; and
     WHEREAS, the jurisdictions of the various courts of the Commonwealth can and do overlap concerning matters of dispute or crisis within particular families, thereby causing fractionalization and disruption in judicial decision-making continuity; and
     WHEREAS, the establishment of a court or division of court particularly devoted to and specializing in family law might promote such continuity of judicial decision-making as well as foster development of expertise in the management and disposal of family law cases by the Kentucky judiciary;

NOW, THEREFORE.

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Senate concurring therein:

Section 1. That the Legislative Research Commission is directed to appoint a task force, the purpose of which shall be to examine, during the 1988-89 interim period, the need for the feasibility of establishing a family court of division of court exclusively devoted to the determination of matters including but not limited to dissolution of marriage, spousal maintenance, child custody and support, adoption, termination of parental rights, establishment of paternity, domestic violence, juvenile dependency and crime.

Section 2. That the task force so appointed shall consist of sixteen (16) members including one (1) circuit court judge, one (1) district court judge, one (1) commonwealth's attorney, one (1) county attorney, one (1) certified social worker licensed in Kentucky and employed by the Cabinet for Human Resources, one (1) psychologist licensed in Kentucky at the doctoral level, one (1) psychiatrist licensed in Kentucky to practice medicine osteopathy who is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc., five (5) members of the Kentucky General Assembly, the director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, one (1) representative of associations, groups or entities dedicated to advocacy of the rights and interests of children, and one (1) member of the Kentucky Bar Association not a member of any other category set out herein.

Section 3. That the findings and conclusion of the task force, including summaries of any legislation which it may recommend or prefile, shall be reported to the Legislative Research Commission on or before September 1, 1989.

Section 4. That staff services to be utilized in support of the task force are estimated to cost $20,000. These staff services shall be provided from the regular commission budget and are subject to the limitations and other research responsibilities of the commission.

• Task Force Defined

The Family Court Feasibility Task Force was established by HCR 30 passed by the 1988 General Assembly. The reasons for establishing the Task Force included:

(1) The various courts of Kentucky are required to make judicial determinations which affect the character and viability of particular Kentucky families.

(2) The jurisdiction of the various courts can and do overlap concerning matters of dispute or crisis within particular families, thereby causing fractionalization and disruption in judicial decision making continuity.

(3) The establishment of a court particularly devoted to and specializing in family law might promote continuity of judicial decision-making and faster development of expertise in the management and disposal of family law cases.

The matters to be determined by a family court and the courts that presently have jurisdiction are:

Matters to be Adjudicated	Court with Jurisdiction at Present
Dissolution of Marriage	Circuit
Spousal Maintenance	Circuit
Child Custody & Support	Circuit
Adoption	Circuit
Termination of Parental Rights	Circuit
Establishment of Paternity	District
Domestic Violence - Emergency protective Proceedings	District
Juvenile Dependency	District
Juvenile Crime (with transfer to circuit court in certain cases)	District

• Membership of Task Force

HCR 30 mandated that membership on the Task Force should include one (1) circuit judge, one (1) district judge, one (1) commonwealth attorney, one (1) certified social worker licensed in Kentucky and employed by the Cabinet for Human Resources, one (1) psychologist licensed in Kentucky at the doctoral level, one (1) psychiatrist licensed in Kentucky to practice medicine or osteopathy who is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc., five (5) members of the Kentucky General Assembly, the director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, one (1) representative of association, groups or entitles dedicated to advocacy of the rights and interests of children, and one (1) member of the Kentucky Bar Association not a member of any other category set out.

• Findings of Task Force

The members were supplied with a large amount of material on the subject of Family Courts: legal journal articles; copies of speeches by Family Court Judges; and copies of proposed laws and copies of the Family Court laws of the few states that have them. The Chairman shared his experience of visiting the New York Family Court. The members were informed of possible constitutional problems, if an attempt was made by the General Assembly to create a Family Court by legislative action. Public hearings, at which judges, lawyers, and the general public spoke, were held in Fayette, Jefferson, Kenton, and Nelson Counties. A representative from the American Bar Association conferred with the members, Based upon the material this assimilated, plus the knowledge and expertise of its members, the Task Force found:

(1) Approximately 50% of the cases in circuit courts today involve family problems, with 40% being divorce and divorce-related matters.

(2) With family matters tried in both district and circuit courts, there is duplication of effort and lack of coordination.

(3) There is concern for the "burn-out" which does occur for some judges serving in the family court setting.

(4) Family Court judges should be trained in matters of mental health and behavioral sciences as they relate to families.

(5) Many judges are insulated from domestic relation cases, due to the use of domestic relations commissioners. Such usage increases the time and expense involved in these cases. The use of domestic relations commissioners is viewed negatively by litigants and their attorneys.

(6) It would be extremely helpful if the same judge heard all matters relating to the same family, from divorce to child support to juvenile matters.

(7) Any Family Court would require the use of support staff, such as scheduling clerks, counselors, mediators, and social workers.

(8) There exists in many courts an inordinate delay between intake of a case and the final resolution. This is particularly unconscionable in child custody and termination of parental rights cases.

(9) Citizens perceive decisions districts to be of less importance than those of circuit courts. This perception of "lesser status" mitigates against the establishing of a family court at the district level.

(10) Family Court judges should volunteer or be elected specifically for such assignments.

• Recommendations of the Task Force

(1) That the Kentucky Supreme Court establish, by Rule, a Pilot Family Court Project
for the 1990-92 biennium, with at least one urban one rural location.

(2) That the 1990 Kentucky General Assembly fund such a Pilot Project, including implementation and evaluation.

(3) That the Cabinet for Human Resources and the Administrative Office of the Courts assist in procuring grant money for the Pilot Project's support staff and training for Family Court personnel.

(4) That this Task Force continue as an advisory group throughout the implementation of the Family Court pilot project.

• Task Force Proposal

Based on its findings, the Task Force offered the following proposal:

The Pilot Project, which depends upon implementation by the Court of Justice, will coincide with the 1990-1992 biennium.

The Project will make sue of both circuit and district judges, who will be given adequate support staff to handle scheduling, records and social services. Judges will handle all matters coming before the Proposed Family Court; no commissioners will be used.

The Project will include cases on all subjects mentioned in HCR 30 which set up this Task Force, plus cases involving minors seeking abortion.

The Chief Justice will, in his discretion, determine the exact district(s) to be included in the project. He will select a number of district and circuit judges in the district(s) to serve as judges for this Project. He will also set the caseload per judge. This caseload can be adjusted after the Project begins. Cases cannot be transferred into this Project by a circuit or district judge at his discretion; they shall be selected at random. Once a family matter is assigned to the Family Court, subsequent matters concerning that family shall thereafter be transferred to the Family Court. However, a small number of slots shall be reserved for repeat cases. Appeals from "district court" cases of the Pilot Project will be removed from the Project to one of the circuit judges not involve in the Project.

The support staff will include secretaries; library facilities: and separate mediation, evaluation, and counseling services, which would be full-time employees in a large district and be available on a contract basis through such agencies as Comprehensive Care Centers in a small district. There will be a friend of the court to help with the collection of child support payments and CASA volunteers will be recruited. Other support services will be supplied upon proof of need by the judges.

One of Kentucky's institutions of higher learning will be asked to monitor the Project, collect data and help evaluate the Family Court's success.

The Project will be funded by the General Assembly for the 1990-1992 biennium. A line item in the budget for funding will be needed. In order to have the Project in place and ready to start when state funding begins, funds from private sources will be sought for hiring and training of support staff.

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1990

•Kentucky Legislature "Funds" Pilot Project

On September 15, 1990 the Jefferson Family Court Pilot Project was created. The 1988 Kentucky General Assembly adopted House Concurrent Resolution Number 30, which established the Family Court Feasibility Task Force. The resolution recognized that:

a) The American family is the framework upon which a prosperous and healthy society is maintained; and,
b) The various courts of the Commonwealth are routinely required to make judicial determinations on a wide variety of subjects which drastically affect the character and viability of particular Kentucky families; and
c) The jurisdiction of the various courts of the Commonwealth can and do overlap concerning matters of dispute within particular families, thereby causing fractionalization and disruption of judicial decision-making continuity; and,
d) The establishment of a court devoted to and specializing in family law might promote continuity of judicial decision-making and foster the development of expertise in the management and disposal of family law cases.

The Task Force's Final Report acknowledged these concerns and recommended the creation of a pilot project. As a result, funds were provided to the judicial branch of state government to establish a Family Court Project. Under the leadership of former Chief Justice Robert Stephens, Jefferson County was designated as the first Family Court Pilot project in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

On October 24, 1990, Chief Justice Robert Stephens named Judges Richard Revell, Mary Corey, Richard FitzGerald, Stephen Mershon, John Potter, and Daniel Schneider to the project.

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1991

• Jefferson Family Court Pilot Project:

Key Decisions Made for Implementation

The purpose of this report was to refine and finalize preliminary projections.

Case Types:

After lengthy discussion and debate, both District and Circuit Terms resolved to transfer the following cases into the Family Court pilot project:

CIRCUIT COURT	%	SYMBOL
Divorce	50%	FD
Adoptions	50%	FA
Termination of Parental Rights	50%	FT

DISTRICT COURT	%	SYMBOL
Dependency Abuse & Neglect	100%	FN
Paternity & Paternity-related URESA	100%	FP
Status Offenses (Runaway, Truancy & Beyond Control)	100%	FS
Delinquency Offenses (Misdemeanor cases where the child's family is already in Family Court)	?	FQ
Emergency Protective Orders	100%	FV
Probate: Children's name changes	100%	FC
Marriage Petitions	100%	FM
Abortion/Judicial Bypass Petitions	100%	FB

These percentages were agreed upon by both General Term based upon the assumption that Family Court will consist of three District Court and three Circuit Court Judges.

Family Court will handle 50% of all new and all existing cases in the Circuit Court categories.

This lettering system will be used for court action number (i.e. 91FD00001).

Family Court will also handle approximately 600 annual CHR Reviews each year pursuant to Public Law 96-272.

• Judges Who Were to Participate in Family Court

Honorable Richard A. Revell, Chief Judge
Honorable Daniel A. Schneider
Honorable John W. Potter
Honorable Stephen K. Mershon
Honorable Richard J. FitzGerald
Honorable Mary L. Corey

On March 20, 1991 a formal swearing-in ceremony took place in the Hall of Justice in Louisville, Kentucky. Chief Justice Robert F. Stephens swore all District judges as special Circuit Court judges and all Circuit Court judges as special District Court judges.

• Transition

Both District and Circuit Court began the transition to Family Court. The Project formally began on March 4, 1991, with the understanding that it would take time for the Court to put into place programs to carry out the objectives and goals discussed in this report.

• Findings of Legislative Task Force Which Facilitated the Design of Jefferson Family Court

At its inception in 1991, of the 39 Jefferson County judges, six volunteered for the Family Court project, three circuit and three district. As a result, the original jurisdiction of the court included: 50% of new dissolution filings, adoptions and terminations of parental rights, and 100% of paternity, dependency, abuse, neglect, emergency protective orders, and status cases. The Family Court project also heard reviews each year of children placed outside their homes as mandated by Public Law 96-272. The initial jurisdiction was limited based upon the number of volunteer judges, and the projected caseload these judges could hear. In addition, both criminal domestic violence and juvenile delinquency cases were purposely omitted to establish the court as one of civil jurisdiction.

The Family Court was designed with the circuit judges being cross-sworn as Special District Court Judges and district judges similarly cross-sworn as Special Circuit Court Judges. This promotes the principal of "One Judge, One Staff, One Family." By assigning the same judge, with as few exceptions as reasonably possible, to hear all matters involving a particular family.

To minimize the risk of judicial burnout, Family Court Judges were assigned to hear all case types of the Family Court jurisdiction. In addition, a professional staff composed of administrative, legal, social work, secretarial and clerical supported them.

The Jefferson Family Court Judges participated in a wide variety of specialized trainings, which included quarterly "in service" days, seminars, and legal issues' meetings to discuss legal and behavioral science topics related to their dockets. Judges participated in the Administrative Office of the Courts' judicial colleges and workshops, and participated in the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judge's programs. The Family Court invited both local and national speakers to address specific family law topics.

Many judges were insulated from domestic relations cases due to the use of domestic relations commissioners. Such usage increased the time and expense involved in cases. Litigants and their attorneys viewed the use of domestic relations commissioners negatively. To address this finding, the Jefferson Family Court significantly reduced the use of domestic relations commissioners. All trials in chief, and all custody matters were heard by the judiciary. Commissioners were utilized only for the purpose of hearing uncontested proofs, and those hearings that could otherwise be heard by an administrative hearing officer, (e.g. pendente lite maintenance, child support and some post decree matters). Under the direction of former Kentucky Chief Justice Robert Stephens, the National Center of State Courts reviewed the case management of the Jefferson County Trial Courts. The National Center for State Courts, in its recognition of the important and substantial caseload of the Jefferson Family Court, recommended that commissioners and pro tempore judges be used to process less complex litigation filed in the court. This allowed the Court to focus on implementation of the legislative directive of strengthening and preserving families by utilizing valuable judicial time for the protection and assistance of children and families.

The Jefferson Family Court worked collaboratively with the legal, social service, and law enforcement communities to enhance the provision of services to children and families. For example, the Administrative Office of the Courts funded two family court support workers and three additional judicial secretaries. As a result of community collaboration, the Cabinet for Families and Children and Seven Counties Services, Inc., provided the following loaned employees: four social worker, two paralegals and a secretary. Presently each division of Family Court consists of a judge, a court administrator, a law clerk, a support worker and a judicial secretary.

Each division of Family Court has a Family Court Support Worker assigned. This individual is a social worker who acts as a court liaison for the social service, legal and law enforcement communities. Their role is to assist the judges and families who come before the court in the delivery of services and in the development of new programs. In addition, the legal staff assigned to Family Court has expanded its role beyond the traditional writing of law clerks, to facilitate development of programs and analysis of national initiatives that may impact the families of the Commonwealth.

Under the leadership of former Chief Justice Robert Stephens and the National Center for State Courts, the Jefferson Trial Courts developed case standards and time lines for all jurisdictional areas. A particular goal of the Family Court was the development of timelines to sever, as expeditiously as possible, those family ties which prove to be legally irreparable, while providing a forum for fair resolution, and giving sufficient attention to litigants so they are afforded their day in court.

The Legislative Task Force further recommended that a Kentucky University be asked to monitor the project, collect data, and help evaluate the Family Court's success. Dr. Louise Graham, of the University of Kentucky's School of Law, conducted a two-year process evaluation of the Jefferson Family Court, which was designed to serve two purposes. First, the evaluation provided development assistance to the Jefferson Family Court. Second, the evaluation provided summary information on various projects undertaken by the Family Court.

In addition to this tool, the Family Court utilized focus groups and surveys of its consumers as a method of obtaining constant feedback. Similarly, the Family Court Advisory Committee, which included representation from the legal and social service communities, provided recommendations for systems improvements.

An ongoing goal of the project was to utilize, to the fullest extent possible, all available governmental and community resources to preserve family unity and to protect the rights and welfare of children. The project transcends the traditional strictly adjudicatory function of the courts by maximizing the use of non-adversarial approaches whenever appropriate.

• Jefferson County Projects
A multi-disciplinary approach was utilized in the development of the following programs:
• Families in Transition: This is a divorce adjustment education program provided to assist families in recognizing and responding positively to the difficulties experienced by children of divorce. A fee of $1 to $50 is charged on a sliding scale.
• Mediation for Custody, Visitation and Property: Cases which contain genuinely disputed issues regarding custody, visitation, and/or property issues are referred to a mediator unless waived by court order for good cause. For those cases in which the Court orders mediation, the Family Court maintains a list of qualified mediators, whose qualification is contingent upon acceptance of a percentage of pro bono cases. Litigant's pay for mediation sessions by utilizing a court approved sliding scale fee.
• Domestic Violence Information Sessions: These are free information sessions provided to victims of domestic violence, their family members, or other interested persons. The information is designed to give a better understanding of domestic violence issues, the court process, and valuable resources. The sessions are sponsored through in-kind services such as facilities, written materials, and staff time, by the Family Court, the Center for Women and Families, and the Cabinet for Families and Children.
• Children's Guardian ad Litem Initiative: Specialized Guardians ad Litem have been selected to represent children on the dependency, abuse and neglect dockets. This initiative was implemented to improve the representation of children in a cost effective manner. The court has developed standards and expectations of practice for the Guardians , which are articulated in the court rules. Guardians ad Litem payment is mandated by Kentucky Revised Statue and Civil Rules of Procedure.
• Turning It Around Program: This program is designed for individual sentenced or facing sentencing for contempt in paternity non-support. The program offers a series of educational personal responsibility sessions related to fatherhood, employment, child support, and co-parenting. Ongoing services are provided through a $45 participant fee and in-kind services.
• Family Mediation Project: The project provides mediation for dependency, abuse and neglect cases which meet identified criteria. Cases that are successfully resolved are not referred to formal court. In addition, the mediation process is available for formal court referrals. Successfully completed cases allow scarce judicial resources to be more efficiently utilized. This is a collaborative effort between Family Court, Just Solutions, the Cabinet for Families and Children, the County Attorney's Office, and Neighborhood Place Ujima, all of whom provide in-kind services for administration.
• Diversion Project Model Courts: The Permanency Planning for Children Project of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges initiated this project. Beginning in 1996, the two-year Diversion Project examined the juvenile and family courts' role in diverting families from traditional child protective services to community-based programs.
• Adoptions Opportunities Project: In 1998 Kentucky's court system was designed as one of five states to participate in the Adoptions Opportunities Grant funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Goals of this initiative included implementation of a risk assessment matrix, recruitment of foster care/adoption homes and development of streamlined legal representation.
• Family Place Visitation Center: In 1999 funds were utilized to enter into partnership with Family Place to provide supervised exchange and supervised visitation services for families who have divorce, paternity, adoption opportunity project, and/or domestic violence cases before the Court.
• Truancy Court Diversion Project: Services for this project focus on improving student's attendance and diverting cases from the court system. This program brings students before volunteer judges on a weekly basis, and combined with enhanced social services for families, monitors school attendance.
• Children's Waiting Room: The Children's Waiting Room provides children with a safe, low-stress, fun place to wait while their parents attend court. The waiting room is filled with toys, books and games to help pass the time. Volunteers staff the Children's Waiting Room.

• Jefferson Family Court Administrator Appointed

On April 1, 1991, Jim Birmingham was appointed as Family Court Administrator. He transferred from the Administrative Office of the Courts. Jim had previously been a supervisor for the statewide Court Designated Worker program.

• Jefferson Family Court Support Workers Appointed

The Jefferson Family Court Administrator's Office, the Cabinet for Human Resources and Seven Counties Services interviewed and selected the six Family Court Support Workers. Three were assigned from the Cabinet for Human Resources, two from the Administrative Office of the Courts and one from Seven Counties Services. These positions were funded by their respected agencies. One Family Court Support Worker was assigned to each Court. Deborah Gibson, Mary Lou Cambron, Sharon Whitehouse, Kathy Clemons, Amy DeHaven and Gayle DeFazio began their new jobs on May 13, 1991.

• Evaluation Component for Family Court

State Representative Ernesto Scorsone selected the University of Kentucky to design and implement an evaluation of Family Court. Louise E. Graham from the College of Law at UK and Greg Brock from the Family Studies program at UK submitted a grant application to the Cabinet for Human Resources to fund the evaluation.

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1992

• Families in Transition Program Implemented

In September 1992, the Families In Transition (FIT) program was implemented. This court-mandated divorce education program was implemented for families with children ages eight through 16 who petition for a divorce.

FIT requires both parents and children to attend a 6-hour program designed to aid them in coping more effectively with children's issues regarding divorce. A fee of $1 to $50 is charged on a sliding scale. One parent and child(ren) attend concurrently but separate sessions, while the other parent attends the program at a separate time. The 6-hour program is divided into either two 3-hour or three 2-hour sessions. Each session is conducted by a trained facilitator at a community setting such as a Family Life Center of a church or family agency. FIT participants may attend the program at the site of their choice.

Two major goals of FIT are to prevent or reduce a child's anxiety, aggression, depression and behavioral problems and to increase social competencies critical to a child's post-divorce adjustment.

Initially, the program was funded by a grant from the Norton Foundation, Inc. and is now funded by the Administrative Office of the Courts and fees paid by the participants. Dr. Joe Brown, Family Therapy Program, Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, and Jefferson County Support Worker, Mary Lou Cambron designed the FIT program, in conjunction with several Family Court Judges. Family Court and the University of Louisville jointly administer the program.

Dr. Joe Brown and Dr. Carolyn Brown originally designed the program's curriculum with input from the Louisville Bar Association (LBA), Family Law Section. Program staff designed curriculum workbooks and was implemented in October 1997.

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1993

• Children's Guardian Ad Litem Initiative

The Jefferson Family Court received approval from the Kentucky Supreme Court to implement a new initiative for the appointment of eighteen Children's Guardians Ad Litem.

• Family Court Judge Receives National Court Appointed Special Advocate Award

The National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association as the Juvenile Court Judge of the Year chose Judge Richard FitzGerald.

• Jefferson Family Court's Local Rules of Practice Approved

The Local Rules of Practice of the Jefferson Family Court were approved by the Supreme Court of Kentucky, effective September 15, 1993.

• Jefferson Family Court's Newest Staff Members

Family Court welcomed the following staff members to Jefferson Family Court:

Carla Prather, Staff Attorney
Minette Adams, Secretary

• Changes in Jefferson Family Court Staff

Judge Matthew K. Eckert transferred to District and Judge James Green from the Paternity Division of Family Court took his place. Judge Donald Eckerle who had been a District Court Judge since 1978 replaced Judge Green in the Paternity Division of Family Court.

• Family Preservation/Status Mediation Program Ends

Funding for the program ended September 30, 1993. The Family Preservation/Status program was a free service offered to families involved with the Court's status dockets. The purpose of the program was to provide a neutral mediator who could assist families in finding solutions to their problems.

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1994

• Court of Appeals Upholds Legality of Family Court

The Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld the legality of Family Court. In an Opinion dated March 25th, an appellate panel rejected arguments that Family Court was created unconstitutionally and that District Judges appointed to Family Court lack authority in governing matters they are asked to decide. The Court of Appeals' opinion stated that the state constitution authorizes the Chief Justice to temporarily assign any judge to sit on any court except the Supreme Court. Additionally, the opinion stated the General Assembly's funding of the experimental Family Court shows its "tacit approval" of the project.

• Family Court Budget

Governor Brereton Jones signed a bill funding Family Court for an additional two years. The budget allowed the Jefferson Family Court to potentially expand from seven to nine divisions. Monies were included to assist in funding the Families In Transition Divorce Education Program; to develop a new parent/child mediation program; and to assist in developing a divorce mediation program for property issues.

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1995

•Jefferson Family Court Expands

The expansion of Family Court from seven to eight divisions was implemented January 3, 1995 and included the following judges.

Judge Ellen Ewing
Judge Mary Corey
Judge Richard Revell
Judge Richard FitzGerald
Judge James Green
Judge Steve Mershon
Judge Henry Weber
Judge Thomas Merrill

• Judge Richard Revell Retires

After more than 30 years on the bench, Jefferson Circuit Judge Richard Revell retired on June 2, 1995. Judge Revell became a Juvenile Court Judge in 1963 and a Circuit Court Judge in 1971. Judge Revell was the Chief Judge of Jefferson Family Court since its inception in 1991.

• Patricia Walker FitzGerald joins Family Court

On, July 21, 1995 Patricia Walker FitzGerald was sworn in as Jefferson Family Court's newest judge. Her appointment by Governor Brereton Jones to fill the vacancy created by Judge Richard Revell's retirement was a milestone for Family Court, in that her position was the first to be dedicated specifically as a seat in Family Court.

• Judge Steve Mershon Leaves Family Court

In December 1995, Judge Steve Mershon decided it was time to move from Family Court to Circuit Court.

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1996

•Governor Paul Patton Makes Family Court Appointment

Joan Byer Mason and Trenaman were named by Governor Paul Patton in January 1996 to fill the vacancies in Family Court.

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1997

• Statewide Family Court Coordinator Named

In June 1997 Carla Kreitman was hired as the Statewide Family Court Coordinator.

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1998

• House Bill 544 Creates Family Court Pilot Projects

House Bill 544 created eight (8) family court pilot projects in the following Supreme Court districts designated by the Chief Justice:

(a) District 1, McCracken Court;
(b) District 2, Warren County;
(c) District 3, Pulaski, Rockcastle, and Lincoln Counties;
(d) District 5, Franklin County and Madison and Clark Counties;
(e) District 6, Boone and Gallatin Counties; and
(f) District 7, Floyd County and Pike County;

The Supreme Court certified the need for a total of nine (9) additional Circuit Court judgeships: one (1) each in Warren, Pike, and Franklin Counties, one (1) in Breckenridge, Grayson, and Meade Counties, one (1) in Pulaski, Rockcastle, and Lincoln Counties, one (1) in Madison and Clark Counties, one (1) in Green, Marion, Taylor, and Washington Counties, one (1) in Bourbon, Scott, and Woodford Counties and one (1) in Boone and Gallatin Counties.

The Supreme Court certified the need for a total of three (3) additional District Court judgeships, one (1) each in Floyd County, and McCracken County and one (1) in Barren and Metcalfe Counties.

The legislative actions in 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 517 did not include any suspensions or modifications contained in the Executive Branch Budget. The Budget Branch Conference Budget Report to 1998 Ky. Act. Ch. 607 established an additional family court judgeship in Christian County (3rd Judicial Circuit), effective September 1, 1999. That report also established July 1, 1999, as the effective date for the family court judgeship in Floyd County (31st Judicial Circuit), and September 1, 1999, for the family court judgeships in Madison and Clark Counties (25th Judicial Circuit); Pulaski, Lincoln, and Rockcastle Counties (28th Judicial Circuit); Franklin County (48th Judicial Circuit); and McCracken County (2nd Judicial District).

• 23A.110

KRS 23A.100

(1) A chief judge of family court shall be designated by the Chief Justice at each site identified in KRS 23A.100(1). When a family court has a single-family court judge, that judge shall be designated chief judge. Each family court shall establish a Family Court Council to assist in developing and implementing each new site. The council shall be multidisciplinary I nature and chaired by the chief judge of the family court. Each council shall recommend local rules of family court. Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 1.040(3)(a), local rules shall be written, approved by the Chief Justice, and filed with the Supreme Court clerk.

(2) The Administrative Office of the Courts shall employ a statewide family court coordinator to assist family courts with:
(a) Resource needs;
(b) Standardization of policies;
(c) Practices and procedures:
(d) Training;
(e) Automation;
(f) Data compilation and analysis;
(g) Budgetary needs; and
(h) Coordination of family court sites with community and outside agencies.

(3) Family court jurisdiction shall include, but not limited to, cases involving:
(a) Domestic or family issues or dissolution of marriage;
(b) Child custody;
(c) Visitation;
(d) Support and equitable distribution;
(e) Adoption and termination of parental rights:
(f) Domestic violence, including emergency protective orders;
(g) Noncriminal juvenile matters, including juvenile mental inquests and self-consent abortion;
(h) Paternity and URESA matters;
(i) Dependency, abuse, or neglect; and
(j) Status offenses, including truancy, unmanageable children, and runaways.

(4) Whenever the Chief Justice, by order pursuant to Section 110(5)(b) of the Constitution of Kentucky establishes a family court within a judicial circuit, the District Court and the Circuit Court shall exercise concurrent jurisdiction, or as the Chief Justice or the Supreme Court may direct, exclusive jurisdiction in all matters assigned to family court, notwithstanding any other statute relating to the subject matter jurisdiction of the Circuit and District Courts.

• Boone/Gallatin Family Court Judge Appointed

On August 25, 1998 Governor Paul Patton appointed Linda R. Bramlage as Family Court Judge for the Boone/Gallatin Family Court.

• Pike Family Court Judge Appointed

On August 25, 1998 Governor Paul Patton appointed Kathyrn Burke as Family Court Judge.

• Warren Family Court Judge Appointed

On September 3, 1998 Governor Paul Patton appointed Margaret Ryan Huddleston Family Court Judge.

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1999

• Six Family Courts Slated for Implementation

Six counties remained slated for implementation in 1999. The counties benefiting by the addition of a family court were Christian County, McCracken County, Pulaski, Rockcastle and Lincoln Counties, Franklin County, Madison and Clark Counties and Floyd County.

The new law established not only the counties to receive family courts, but also defined the baseline jurisdictions that comprised a family court as "Kentucky-style." The law mandated the establishment of a Family Court Council and created the position of a Statewide Family Court Coordinator.

The Family Court Council formed in each county explored options and provided input from the community and all the key stakeholders. The council is chaired by the Chief Family Court Judge and is multidisciplinary in nature. The responsibilities of the council include drafting and recommending local rules of practice, to be approved by the Chief Justice, designing court policy and evaluating the court's success and brainstorming solutions to the challenges that face a new system.

• Jefferson Family Court Relocates

The Jefferson Family and Circuit Courts relocated to the 10-story Jefferson County Judicial Center.

• Five New Family Court Projects

Five Family Court pilot projects were implemented in the summer of 1999 to the following counties; McCracken, Franklin, Madison and Clark, Lincoln, Rockcastle and Pulaski and Christian.

• First Adoption Wednesday Project

On September 22, 1999, the first Adoption Wednesday was held. This special project resulted in forty-six adoptions in a single afternoon.

• First Family Court Orientation Training

In October 1999, comprehensive orientation training was held in Jefferson County for the ten family court projects. This gathering served as a forum for learning about the Court of Justice and family courts, the exchange of ideas for smooth implementation and program development, and the opportunity to meet other individuals involved in this work.

• Family Support Center Opens

A task force of community agencies, attorneys and concerned citizens began meeting in October 1996 to discuss the need for a center that would promote children's relations with their families. As a result of those discussions, Jefferson Family Court was able to secure a grant from the Cabinet for Families & Children, Child Support Division, to develop the center. The collaborative effort was the result of three years of work aimed at providing the community with a safe and nurturing place for children to build relationships with family members or to allow exchanges of children between members without conflict.

• Floyd Family Court Judge Appointed

On July 16, 1999, Julie Paxton was sworn in as Family Court Judge in Floyd County.

• Clark/Madison Family Court Judge Appointed

Jean Chenault Logue, a native of Richmond, Kentucky, was appointed by Governor Paul E. Patton to serve as Family Court Judge for the 25th Judicial Circuit, consisting of Madison and Clark
Counties, on August 5, 1999.

• Christian Family Court Judge Appointed

On August 25, 1999, Judy A. Hall was sworn in as the Family Court Judge in Christian County.

• McCracken Family Court Judge Appointed

On August 30, 1999 Cynthia Sanderson was sworn is as the McCracken Family Court Judge.

• Kinship Care Program Established

Kinship Care is a program that launched in October of 1999, from the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children. Kinship Care was established to facilitate permanency for children who have been or may be removed from their home, due to a Cabinet finding of abuse or neglect or in the case of the death of both parents and a qualified willing relative has or is willing to assume placement of the child with the ultimate goal of permanent custody, if return to the parents is not viable. Kinship Care permits children to remain tied to their families when relatives who otherwise could not afford to take care of them.

Kinship Care can also help families who are already taking care of relatives' children. It is, however, limited to children who have been removed from their parent's homes because the Cabinet determined they were abused or neglected. Relatives who have taken in children without the involvement of the Department for Community Based Services are not eligible for the program.

Under Kinship Care, the relative may receive a one-time "start-up" fund of up to $500 to cover costs of establishing the child in their new home (clothing, school supplies, beds, etc.), a cash payment of up to $300 per month, child care subsidy, Medicaid coverage and casework, plus referrals to family counseling and support groups.

Kinship Care was funded through savings in the federal welfare block-grant program known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF. As more people move from assistance to work, the Cabinet applies the savings to initiatives like Kinship Care, as well as programs that support former welfare recipients and help them maintain self-sufficiency and family integrity.

• Franklin Family Court Judge Appointed

Judge Orville Reed Rhorer was sworn in as the Franklin Family Court Judge on September 1, 1999.

• Lincoln/Rockcastle/Pulaski Family Court Judge Appointed

On September 1, 1999 Debra Hembree Lambert was sworn in as the Family Court Judge in the 28th Judicial Circuit.

• Family Courts New Logo

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2000

• Family Court Receives State Justice Institute Grant Award

The Department of Family Court received a State Justice Institute grant award entitled "A Comprehensive Handbook for Administrators of Family Courts in Rural Areas". The start date for the fifteen-month grant was February 1, 2000.

The project focused on the unique challenges faced by rural and suburban family courts, as opposed to urban courts. Research and evaluation were conducted in various family court sites, and addressed the issues of court performance, calendaring and rotation, judicial caseloads and calendar time, court rules and forms, caseflow management, and quality of legal representation. In addition, facilities, court security and organizational behavior were explored. The research featured a multi-method approach using written surveys, interviews, structured observations, and file reviews.

The goal of the project was to produce a handbook, reflective of the findings, for use as a technical assistance bulletin for family court judiciary and administration. The quality of the handbook was evaluated during a conference and attendees were invited to offer suggestions for improving the material and adapting it to jurisdictions outside of Kentucky. The comprehensive handbook provided a "how to" for developing and administering rural family courts.

• Second Adoption Wednesday Project

On Wednesday, May 10, 2000, Jefferson Family Court and the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children held the second Adoption Wednesday. Twenty-two adoptions resulted in this special ceremony.

• Jefferson Family Court Receives Organization of the Year Award

Exploited Children's Help Organization (ECHO) is a non profit volunteer organization committed to reducing the incidence and trauma of child victimization and exploitation. ECHO is dedicated to protecting the children of Kentucky by addressing the needs of sexually abused children and their families.
The Echo Organization of the Year Award is given to a company, association or organization that has provided support and displayed extraordinary effort concerning issues involving victims of child exploitation.

The 2000 ECHO Organization of the Year Award was presented to Jefferson Family Court for their efforts toward preserving family unity and protecting the rights and welfare of children in the community. Family Court Judge Patricia Walker FitzGerald accepted the award on behalf of Jefferson Family Court.

In 1998, Jefferson Family Court issued 4,537 emergency protective orders and processed 2,537 dependency/neglect and abuse cases, many of which dealt with issues of sexual and physical abuse. Without the dedication of the Family Court personnel, the children involved in these cases would not have been protected.

• New Jefferson Family Court Chief Judge Elected

In an election held March 7, 2000, the Jefferson Family Court judges elected Judge Patricia Walker FitzGerald as Chief Family Court Judge.

This two year term became effective April 3, 2000. Judge Patricia Walker FitzGerald replaced Judge Richard J. FitzGerald. Judge Walker FitzGerald was appointed by Governor Patton and was a Family Court Judge since July of 1995.

Judge Walker FitzGerald was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky. She received her B.A. from the University of Kentucky and her Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville School of Law in 1978. She served as a staff attorney with the State Department of Justice, Protection and Advocacy Division until entering private practice in 1981.

• Judge Richard J. FitzGerald Receives Special Service Award

In 1991, a decision was made by then Chief Justice Robert F. Stephens to start a family court in Jefferson County. Since that decision was made, Kentucky's family courts have grown to 21 in number, with 34 judges across the Commonwealth. According to Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, "the principal credit for the success of the family court in Kentucky belongs to Richard J. FitzGerald." FitzGerald was honored with the Chief Justice's Special Service Award for his special contributions to the administration of Justice in Kentucky.

"Through the leadership of Judge FitzGerald," his plaque reads, "the Jefferson Family Court project has succeeded beyond any reasonable expectation with the families and children of Kentucky as the beneficiaries." FitzGerald, who served as a District Judge since 1978, began with the Family Court as Special Circuit Judge in 1991. He served as Chief Judge of the Family Court Project from 1995 until April 2000.

A noted lecturer on family preservation, child abuse and neglect, and other child welfare issues, Judge FitzGerald served as faculty for the University of Louisville School of Law, the Child Welfare Leadership Center at the University of North Carolina School of Social Work, and for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

• Franklin Family Court Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

• Families in Transition Program Expands

Families In Transition started in Jefferson County in September 1992 as a court-mandated divorce education program for all families with children ages 8 through 16 who petition for divorce with the Jefferson County Family Court

After offering the program for 8 years in Jefferson County, the Families In Transition (FIT) Program expanded the program to include families with children ages 5-7 starting September, 2000. This is the second time the program expanded to include more families in the program

• Judge Richard J. FitzGerald Retires

On October 1, 2000, Judge Richard FitzGerald retired from the Jefferson Trial Courts. Judge Richard FitzGerald had served on the Jefferson County bench since 1975. He began with Family Court as a Special Circuit Judge in 1991. He served as Chief Judge of the Family Court Project from 1995 until April 2000.

Over the years Judge Richard FitzGerald has been honored by a multitude of organizations, including the Louisville Bar Association, Kentucky Youth Advocates, Jefferson County's Court Appointed Special Advocate Program and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Kentucky Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, who in presenting the award said, "The principal credit for the success of the Family Court in Kentucky belongs to Richard J. FitzGerald, gave him the Chief Justice's Special Service Award.

In his retirement, Judge Richard FitzGerald continues lecturing around the country and consulting with family courts in other states.

• Judge Mary Corey Retires

On November 4, 2000 Judge Mary Corey retired from the Jefferson Trial Courts. Judge Mary Corey served on the Jefferson County bench since 1985. She began with Family Court as a Special Circuit Judge in 1991. Judge Corey was the first woman to preside in Kentucky's first Family Court.

• Judge Stephen M. George Appointed to Jefferson Family Court

On October 5, 2000 Stephen M. George was appointed by Governor Paul Patton to Jefferson District Court to succeed retired Family Court Judge Richard FitzGerald. He began with Family Court as a Special Circuit Judge on November 1, 2000. Judge George practiced family law for 23 years.

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2001

• General Assembly Passes Amendment to the Kentucky Constitution

The 2001 General Assembly passed an amendment to the Kentucky Constitution specifically authorizing Family Courts in Kentucky. The Amendment, Senate Bill 58, was submitted to the voters of Kentucky on the 2002 general election ballot.

While Family Court had resources beyond those normally associated with court function, its legal basis is as a hybrid of both Circuit and District Courts. The reasoning behind Family Court was the recognition that problems involving one member of the family often do not exist in a vacuum. If there were issues of truancy, dependency, or abuse and neglect, then those issues often lead to additional problems for a family, including domestic violence, separation, and divorce. By giving the authority to one court and one judge to oversee all the problems involving one family, it was hoped that the children and families of Kentucky could be helped in their return to normal lives.

The General Assembly did a great service for Kentucky's families by passing the Family Court Amendment.

• 36TH Judicial Circuit Added to Floyd Family Court Jurisdiction

On March 1, 2001 Floyd Family Court added to its jurisdiction, Knott and Magoffin counties (36th Circuit).

• Judge Joseph W. O'Reilly Appointed to Jefferson Family Court

On November 30, 2000, Judge Joseph W. O'Reilly was appointed to Jefferson Family Court to succeed Judge Denise Clayton who was appointed to Jefferson Circuit Court.

• Judge Hugh Smith Haynie Jr. Appointed to Jefferson Family Court

On December 1, 2000, Judge Hugh Smith Haynie Jr. was appointed to Jefferson Family Court to succeed retired Judge Mary Corey.

• June Declared as Family Court Month

• Second Divorce Education Conference Held

The second Divorce Education Conference was held at Natural Bridge State Park on March 9, 2001. Facilitators from across the state gathered to share program ideas and network with other Divorce Education providers. Participants attended breakout sessions that focused on program support, children's programs, and group dynamics. Joe H. Brown, Ph.D and Mary Lou Cambron, MSSW presented lectures on history and trends of divorce education. During the final session of the conference, participants divided into work groups to share objectives and goals of their existing programs. At the conclusion of the conference, participants were given the opportunity to share with the entire group their trends in divorce education programs.

• Rural Family Court Conference

The Administrative Office of the Courts, Department of Family Courts, and State Justice Institute sponsored a National Conference for Rural Family Courts May 17 - 19, 2001 in Louisville Kentucky. The event was a working-conference where participants were asked to review and edit portions of a new rural family court handbook. The handbook was being designed as a "how to" guide for communities that wish to begin a family court project and discussed the unique challenges of implementation in a rural area.

Participants from Kentucky's Family Courts proved to be a great asset in the working sessions of the conference, their insights and experience being an invaluable resource. By incorporating their advice and suggestions, the handbook became a stronger implementation tool for new courts both in the Commonwealth and across the nation.

In addition to participants from Kentucky, we were honored to have conference guests from West Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Indiana, Washington D.C., and even as far as South Africa!

Participants brought unique perspectives and experience to the conference. Many were in the process of starting rural family courts in their area, some were involved in family court legislation in their home state, some served in an advisory capacity for the handbook and underlying research, and some served in leadership roles in existing rural family courts.

The research from which the handbook was written was generated from a study conducted by the Department of Family Courts through a grant with the State Justice Institute, in partnership with the University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work. The extensive research findings gathered and extrapolated by Ken Mattingly, Dr. Joe Brown, and Dr. Riaan van Zyl is included in the text of the handbook.

Topics in the handbook include: the Mission and Purpose of Family Courts; Setting Up a Family Court; Stakeholders, Community Involvement, Public Relations and Programs; Procedures and Administration; Roles and Responsibilities - Personnel Management; and Ensuring Accountability and Maintaining High Levels of Support. The handbook is available for distribution nationwide and although it is designed for implementation of new rural family courts, existing family courts can effectively utilize it as a tool for revisiting and evaluating current policy and programs.

• Family Court Created in Oldham/Henry/Trimble Counties

On June 19, 2001, Chief Justice Lambert announced the creation of Family Court in the 12th Judicial Circuit, which consists of Oldham, Henry and Trimble counties. Chief Justice Lambert swore in Judge Karen A. Conrad, who was recently appointed as Circuit Judge by Governor Patton. Judge Conrad will serve in Family Court along with Judge Paul W. Rosenblum.

• Political Issues Committee Announced

On June 20, 2001, at a press conference in Frankfort, Kentucky, Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert announced the formation of a political issues committee to support the passage of the Family Court Constitutional Amendment that appeared on the general election ballot in November 2002. In making the announcement, Chief Justice Lambert was joined by First Lady Judi Patton, Senator Robert Stivers, Representative Gross Lindsay, and Hon. Stephen B. Catron.

Those joining Chief Justice Lambert each took the opportunity to encourage Kentuckians to support family court and the constitutional amendment. First Lady Judi Patton provided an instrumental voice on behalf of Kentucky's Family Courts. Senator Robert Stivers, Chair of the Senate Judiciary committee and sponsor of SB 58, continued to promote the constitutional amendment. Representative Gross Lindsay, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and member of the Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental affairs committee, took the opportunity to encourage Kentucky voters to "Vote Yes!" for the constitutional amendment during the 2002 election. Hon. Stephen B. Catron, President-Elect of the Kentucky Bar Association, and partner with Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, served as treasurer of the new committee and shared his enthusiasm for the family court concept and the potential expansion of family courts across Kentucky.

The committee, Family Courts for Kentucky, filed its registration with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance on June 20, 2001. Family Courts for Kentucky served as the primary force behind the ballot initiative, and worked to educate Kentucky's citizens about the importance of family courts and the ways in which family courts could provide for the needs of Kentucky families.

• Judge Judy Hall Receives Woman of Achievement Award

On October 18, 2001, Judge Judy Hall was awarded the Woman of Achievement Award. The Hopkinsville Business and Professional Women's Club hosted an annual awards banquet honoring women who have achieved in educational goals, excelled professionally and contribute to their community through active service.

• Judge Jean Chenault Logue Receives Outstanding Judge Award

In October 2001, Judge Jean Logue was given the Outstanding Judge Award at the 16th Annual Kentucky Citizens Foster Care Review Board's Fall Conference.

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2002

• Family Courts to Expand to Four New Sites

The groundwork was laid to welcome four new family court sites starting in April 2002. These sites included the 37th Judicial Circuit (Carter, Elliott, Morgan counties), the 5th Judicial Circuit (Webster, Union, Crittenden), the 51st Judicial Circuit (Henderson) and the 41st Judicial Circuit (Jackson, Clay, Leslie). The Circuit and District Judges, Circuit Clerks and community members began the planning process to enable a smooth transition to the family court.

• Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert Speaks on the Importance of the Family Court Amendment

In 1991, a group of thoughtful and caring people began a family court pilot project in Jefferson County. Their goal was to create a court that was family-friendly and devoted to family law cases. They believed that the same judge should consider all legal matters relating to a family, whether juvenile, domestic violence, custody or divorce, and that the judge should be able to use counseling, mediation and divorce education to reduce the distress of families in crisis.

The Jefferson County Family Court was so successful that the family court pilot project was expanded in 1998 to 18 other counties across Kentucky. Today, there are family courts in Lincoln, Rockcastle, Pulaski, Floyd, Knott, Magoffin, Oldham, Henry, Trimble, Pike, Clay, Jackson, Leslie, Crittenden, Union, Webster and Henderson counties.

Family courts were serving one million Kentuckians in 26 counties, but the three million others who lived in the rest of the state did not have access to these special courts.

Family Court was based on the idea that all judicial proceedings involving children and families should be collected and resolved in a single court. By having one judge preside over all the legal problems facing a family, that family's unique circumstances could be better understood.

While a Family Court is a court of law, it is also a link to services in the community. Family Court judges understand that distressed families with children often need more than a legal resolution of their problems.

Sometimes they need professional assistance to restore family stability and help deal with serious problems such as alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and divorce. Family Courts can make specific referrals to outside agencies and order specific treatment to meet the individual needs of children and families.

Family law cases are the only priority of Family Courts. When parents are in the middle of a bitter dispute, children suffer. If the process is drawn out or if the case is heard over and over again by different commissioners or judges, solutions may be delayed, inconsistent or contradictory.

While it is impossible to completely protect children from such difficulties of life as divorce and family discord, Family Courts can help nurture children and families through difficult times.

Where court intervention is inevitable, courts should do more than merely decide who wins and who loses. With dedicated judges, competent and well trained support staff and helping professionals; Family Courts are able to make an otherwise dreadful ordeal a survivable experience. While all cases are important, none are more important than those involving children and families. They should not have to wait in line behind criminal cases and other civil cases.

• The Amendment

There is no doubt that Family Courts have been successful. However, our state constitution did not specifically provide for them. Believing that Family Courts are vitally important and that they should be available to all Kentucky citizens, the 2001 Kentucky General Assembly passed a constitutional amendment to put on the November 2002 general election ballot. The people of Kentucky had the final say on Family Courts.

Although there was no apparent opposition to Family Courts, passage of a constitutional amendment was a daunting task. Kentuckians are properly reluctant to amend their constitution and when they don't understand a proposed amendment, they usually vote no.

We couldn't take for granted that everyone knew about Family Courts and would vote yes to approve the constitutional amendment.

On November 5, 2002, the people of Kentucky voted yes on the following question:

Are you in favor of Family Courts in Kentucky by amending The Kentucky Constitution to allow the Supreme Court to designate a division of circuit courts as a Family Court?

• Pike Family Court Relocates

Pike Family Court moved into new facilities January 30, 2002. Their new location is located in the BB&T Bank Bldg., 4th floor, Pikeville, Ky. The new facilities included a children's waiting area with an observation room.

• Kentucky Family Court Presentation Designed

The Department of Family Court created a Power Point presentation on Kentucky Family Court. The presentation was designed as a basic overview of Family Court in Kentucky addressing such topics as: the underlying philosophy, goals, and history of Family Court; the proposed Family Court Constitutional Amendment; and "Nuts and Bolts" of Kentucky Family Court. The presentation was designed as a resource tool and was distributed, on request, to persons invited to speak about Kentucky's Family Court.

• Judge Debra Lambert Receives Award

In 1989, the first drug court was established to process criminal cases of substance-abusing offenders through comprehensive supervision, testing, treatment, sanctions and incentives. The National Association of Drug Court Professionals deemed it appropriate to name the newly established Drug Court Hall of Fame after the first drug court judge, the Honorable Stanley M. Goldstein. Because of Honorable Judge Debra Hembree Lambert's influence in the drug field and the drug court movement, she was inducted as the first member of the National Association of Drug Court professionals (NADCP) Stanley Goldstein Drug Court Hall of Fame.

Judge Lambert received this award at the 3rd Annual NADCP and Juvenile Drug Court Training in Reno, Nevada where she spoke on the importance of working with children and families. "Drug Courts are the most effective means we have for healing families affected by drugs," Lambert said.

• Judge Kevin L. Garvey Elected Jefferson Chief Judge

The Honorable Kevin L. Garvey was elected Chief Judge of the Jefferson Family Court effective January 1, 2002. He replaced the Honorable Patricia Walker FitzGerald. Judge Garvey graduated from the University of Louisville's Brandeis School of Law in 1979 and was elected to the Jefferson District Court bench in 1981. Judge Garvey began serving in Jefferson Family Court in January of 1999.

• The Department of Family Court Sponsors Children's Art Contest

In January 2002 the Department of Family Courts sponsored an art contest for children of all ages with the theme "What does "Family " mean to you? Contest winners received a fun and colorful art set and select entries were displayed at the Administrative Office of the Courts in the Department of Family Courts.

• Family Court Participates in Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

Family Court participated in the recent focus on Child Abuse Awareness month. Family Court and other local participating agencies made blue bows. The bows were placed throughout Frankfort, Kentucky as a reminder of those children in the community who have been abused, as well as a means of education. On April 18, 2002 there was a Candlelight Vigil at the Capitol Steps. A stream of blue could be seen coming down Capitol Avenue and up the Capitol steps. Teddy Bears were brought by the children to be given to children who had been abused and neglected. Blue ribbons and bookmarks were distributed throughout Franklin County.

• Gene Clark Appointed as Family Court Judge in Clay/Jackson/Leslie Counties

Judge Gene Clark was sworn in as Family Court Judge on May 8, 2002. He attended the University of Kentucky and received his B.G.S. in 1975 and received his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law in 1978. Judge Clark was in the private practice of law with emphasis on Domestic Relations. He served as the 41st Judicial Circuit's first Domestic Relations Commissioner from 1990 to 1998.

• Elizabeth Vaughn Appointed as Henderson Family Court Judge

Governor Paul Patton appointed Judge Elizabeth E. Vaughn as Family Court Judge on May 14, 2002. Judge Vaughn received her J.D. from the University of Louisville, School of Law (now Brandeis). She graduated Magna Cum Laude and was admitted to the practice of law on August 15, 1971.

• New York Family Court Visits Jefferson Family Court

On May 21-22, 2002, a site visit team from the Family Court in Buffalo, New York, and the Permanency Planning for Children Department with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges in Reno, Nevada participated in a Jefferson County site visit hosted by Judge Patricia Walker FitzGerald. The purpose of the site visit was to examine court, agency and community collaboration. The site team met with representatives from the judiciary, court staff, the Cabinet for Families and Children, Jefferson County Attorney's Office, Just Solutions Mediation Services, Guardians ad Litem, Family Court Clerks, and the Family Court Advisory Committee. The site visit provided for an excellent exchange of ideas, which reinforced the positive working relationships among the Jefferson County legal and social service professionals and agencies.

• Family Court Judge Appointed in Union/Webster/Crittenden Counties

On June 19, 2002, Karen Woodall -Heady was appointed by Governor Paul Patton to serve as the new Family Court Judge for the Fifth Judicial District, which is comprised of Crittenden, Union & Webster counties. Judge Woodall-Heady was sworn in by District Court Judge Rene' Williams on July 1, 2002.

• June Declared as Family Court Month

Since 1991, Kentucky Family Court had been providing for the needs of Kentucky families and children in various locations across the Commonwealth. and June was declared as Family Court Month in Kentucky. In celebration of the accomplishments of the last ten years and in anticipation of the continuing positive impact upon Kentucky families, June 2002 was proclaimed Family Court Month in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Department of Family Court planned many exciting events for the upcoming weeks. The 2002 Family Court Conference kicked off the beginning of the month; followed by a Gubernatorial proclamation of June as Family Court Month at the Kentucky Bar Association conference on June 13th: a June 20th Brown Bag lunch on the " Impact of Divorce on Children" followed at AOC; and the end of the month wrapped up with a reception in the Department of Family Court. Everyone was invited to attend the events and celebrate with the Department.

• The Department of Family Courts Mission Statement

The Department of Family Court provides service and support to the Court of Justice and, further, extends service and support to families who appear in our courts across the Commonwealth. It is our mission to assist the greater court system in providing an accessible, impartial and expeditious system of justice for Kentucky families and children. We are committed to showing respect and sincerity for every person regardless of their status and we continuously strive to improve the quality and effectiveness of our services, while measuring success through the eyes of the families who are touched by our Court.

• First Statewide Family Court Conference

On June 5-7, 2002 the Department of Family Court hosted a statewide Family Court conference. The goal of the conference was to bring together family court staff from across the state for cross training and networking.

• Family Court Hosts Brown Bag Lunch

The Department of Family Court hosted a one-hour brown brag lunch at the Administrative Office of the Courts on June 20th, 2002. Dr. Joe H. Brown was the guest speaker and spoke on "The Impact of Divorce on Children". Dr. Brown is a Professor at the University of Louisville in the Family Therapy Department of the Kent School of Social Work. He developed the Families in Transition program in 1992 and has served as the Director of the program since that time.

• Support 2002 Software Program Developed

The Department of Family Court made available copies of Craig Ross's Support 2002 to Court of Justice judges and legal staff interested in experimenting with the software. Support 2002 is stand alone software for all Windows systems that calculates child support under the State Guidelines, (b) prints the standard Kentucky child support worksheet, (c) makes maintenance suggestions, both as to amount and duration, (d) contains an "unallocated" (Family Support) algorithm to allow practitioners to attempt some shifting of the cost of the divorce via Section 71 of the Internal Revenue Code, (e) allows the user to calculate a "buyout) of the present value of maintenance and (f) includes a program for calculating the present values of defined benefit pension plans. The software also contains a monograph on pension distribution matters and a thumbnail Asset Index", focusing on possible issues in Kentucky's law of property distribution. Support 2002, according to the authors, contains a fairly comprehensive tax program for calculating the implications of any transfer.

Support 2002 is a similar program to one developed by Craig Ross in Michigan, a program endorsed by the Family Law Section of the Michigan Bar. The authors worked with private attorneys in Louisville in creating the Kentucky version. Support 2002 is available to private practitioners through the authors. It is not expensive software and the authors allow a 60-day trial period at no risk. Those interested should contact Craig Ross at cross@comcast.net or (734) 633-0998.

• Resounding Victory for Family Courts in November 2002 Election

Kentucky voters gave Family Courts a resounding victory when they approved the Family Courts amendment in the November 2002 general election with more than 75 percent of the vote and passage in all 120 Kentucky counties. The overwhelming support made Family Court a permanent part of the Kentucky Constitution.

Chief Justice of Kentucky Joseph E. Lambert declared the election results a testament to Family Court as a positive improvement for the commonwealth. "This is a historic moment for Kentucky," said Chief Justice Lambert at an election night victory party in Louisville, the site of the state's first Family Court. "Not only does this emphatic vote ensure that Family Courts can continue in the counties they already serve, but it means that we can begin to implement, over time, Family Courts throughout the state to help every Kentucky family and child."

Family Courts started in 1991 as a pilot project in Jefferson County when then-Chief Justice Robert F. Stephens temporarily appointed several circuit and district judges to the new court. A vote was necessary to make the system a permanent part of the Kentucky Constitution and current Chief Justice Lambert served as a guiding force behind the process to adopt Family Courts as a formal constitutional amendment. As a result, 132 members of the Kentucky General Assembly voted earlier this year to pass Senate Bill 58, which placed the amendment on the November ballot.

Based on the election's strong outcome, Chief Justice Lambert accelerated efforts to establish additional Family Courts in areas that can use existing court resources to implement the program. "I believe that elections must be taken seriously and the outcome must be meaningful," he said. Since November, the Chief Justice has announced that Family Courts will be implemented in seven new judicial circuits in 2003. The counties that will be impacted are Fayette in Judicial Circuit 22, Campbell in Judicial Circuit 17, Harrison, Nicholas, Pendleton and Robertson in Judicial Circuit 18, Johnson, Lawrence and Martin in Judicial Circuit 24, Carter, Elliott and Morgan in Judicial Circuit 37, Barren and Metcalfe in Judicial Circuit 34, and Boyle and Mercer in Judicial Circuit 50.

With these new additions in 2003, Family Courts will serve 42 Kentucky counties and nearly 2 million citizens. While 32 other states have variations of this program, Kentucky's system is so progressive and successful that it can be considered a national model.

Chief Justice Lambert, who calls Family Courts the greatest innovation in Kentucky law in a quarter century, says his goal is to have Family Courts operating in every Kentucky county in 10 years. He expects the program to evolve as the General Assembly approves funding to expand the system statewide.

• Judge Jerry J. Bowles Trains Soviet Judges On Domestic Violence Law

Family Court Judge Jerry J. Bowles conducted a workshop in Almaty, Kazakhstan for Kazakh judges from all oblasts throughout their country. The American Bar Association's Central and East European Law Initiative (ABA/CEELI) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) co-sponsored the workshop from May 6-8, 2002.

The ABA/CEELI projects, a public service initiative that undertakes rule-of-law-development programs in emerging democracies of Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union, and through funding from the United States Agency for International Development they have posted U. S. Attorneys as volunteers to carry out their programs in Kazakhstan since 1995. ABA/CEELI operates a "gender advocacy" program in Kazakhstan under which, among other activities, lawyers, crisis center workers, law enforcement, and now judges were being trained in responding to the safety needs of families who are victims of domestic violence. In response, the Kazakh government established a Commission on Women & Children, enacted and revised domestic violence law and opened 15 domestic violence crisis centers throughout the country.

The Almaty workshop focused broadly on the seriousness of the issue of domestic violence, the important role of judges in dealing with domestic violence, the particular characteristics of domestic violence cases (such as victim dynamics in court), how to use laws creatively to protect victims and how to use a bench book. One of the unique goals of the workshop was to produce a bench book on domestic violence using international and domestic law during the workshop.

An additional agenda item was a discussion led by the Department of Justice staff regarding judicial independence. Many of the Kazakh judges sat during the Soviet era and were struggling with the idea of a judiciary independent of the ruling executive government. Prior to Kazakhstan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, judges operated under "telephone law" where they participated as fact finders only, and then telephoned the Communist leaders for their decisions. Failure to follow "telephone law" resulted in the judge's dismissal and as a result Kazakh judges today have still not fully accepted their newly declared independence.

Judge Bowles was referred to the ABA/CEELI and DOJ project as a result of his work with the Battered Woman's Justice Project, funded by the Violence Against Women's Office with the Department of Justice Programs in Washington, D.C.

• Jefferson Family Court to Abolish Use of Domestic Relations Commissioners

Jefferson Family Court joined 21 other counties in which Family Courts no longer use domestic relations commissioners (DRC's). Family Courts embrace the philosophy that families are entitled to a hearing before the highest trial court. For that reason, commissioner practice was phased out when sufficient judicial resources were allocated to keep cases moving quickly. Effective January 3, 2003, enacted legislation abolished the DRC practice in all 26 counties served by Family Court.

• Jefferson Family Drug Court Receives $1.2 Million SAMSHA Grant

Jefferson Family Drug Court received a $1.2 million grant from the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). The funding is being used to move the Jefferson Family Drug Court from a pilot program in the planning stages to a fully operational program. It will increase the number of juveniles and families served through Family Drug Court.

• Family Court Celebrates Family Day

The Department of Family Court endorses September 23, 2002 as the second annual
"Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children."

Dedicated to its work on behalf of Kentucky's children and families, the Department of Family Courts was aware of the vital role parents could play in raising healthy, drug-free children. Research consistently shows that the more often children eat dinner with family, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, use illegal drugs or engage in other risky behaviors such as violence. Frequent family dinners are also correlated with good academic performance and healthy eating habits. Because of this, they were pleased to take this opportunity to encourage all families in the Commonwealth to participate in Family Day by making a point to have dinner together as a family on September 23. Family Day was a great opportunity to honor families and increase parental involvement.

Started by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University in 2001, Family Day is a national initiative to help keep children and teens drug free by encouraging families to eat dinner together as a way to prevent youth substance abuse.

• Sheila Nunley Farris Elected as Family Court Judge in Henderson County

• Chief Justice Joseph Lambert Announces Family Court Coming to Boyle and Mercer Counties in 2003

On December 9, 2002, Chief Justice Joseph Lambert announced that Boyle and Mercer counties would implement a Family Court.

• Second Division for Family Court Coming to Clark and Madison Counties in 2003

The 25th Judicial Circuit, comprised of Clark and Madison counties, was one of the earliest in the state to get a Family Court when it implemented a pilot project in 1999 with the appointment of Judge Jean C. Logue. District Judge Jeffrey M.Walson accepted the offer to serve as Family Court judge.

• Fayette County to Implement Family Court

On Dec. 3, 2002, Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert and Justice James E. Keller of the Supreme Court of Kentucky announced that Fayette County would implement Family Court in 2003. Fayette County will begin with three judges-Chief Fayette Circuit Judge Gary Payne, Fayette District Judge Kimberly Bunnell and a judge still to be named would fill the Circuit Court seat vacated by the appointment of Judge Lewis Paisley to the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

• Family Court Judge Appointed in Barren/Metcalfe Counties

On Dec. 4, 2002, District Court Judge W. Mitchell Nance was appointed as circuit judge of the Second Division (Family Court) of the 43rd Judicial Circuit in Barren and Metcalfe counties. He was elected to the bench in November 2000.

• Family Court Judge Appointed in Boyle/Mercer Counties

On Dec. 9, 2002, District Judge Bruce Petrie accepted the appointment to Family Court. Judge Petrie is a native of Lancaster, Ky., who earned a bachelor's degree from Morehead State University and his juris doctorate from Chase College of Law. He was appointed to the bench in 2000 and ran successfully for election in November 2000 and re-election in 2002.

• Family Court Judge Appointed in Johnson/Lawrence/Martin Counties

On Dec. 19, 2002, Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert and Justice Janet L. Stumbo of the Supreme Court of Kentucky announced the 24th Judicial Circuit would implement Family court in 2003. The announcement came during a news conference at the Johnson County Courthouse in Paintsville, Kentucky.

Chief Regional Circuit Judge Stephen N. Frazier was appointed to serve as Family Court Judge. Judge Frazier received his bachelors' degree from Pikeville College and his juris doctorate from the University of Louisville. He was admitted to the bar in 1969 and elected circuit judge in 1983. Judge Frazier was appointed as chief regional judge in June 1986.

• Campbell County to Implement Family Court in 2003

On December 10, 2002, Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert announced that Campbell County would implement a Family Court. Kentucky voters approved the Family Courts amendment in the November general election with more than 75 percent of the vote and passage in all 120 Kentucky counties, including overwhelming support in Northern Kentucky. The people of Campbell County sent a strong message through their vote for Family Court in the election.

• Family Court Judge Bruce Petrie Honored for Efforts on Behalf of Children

The Honorable Bruce Petrie, Family Court judge for Boyle and Mercer counties, was honored for his exceptional service to the families and children of his region. Judge Petrie received the award at the 2002 CFCRB Training Conference held in Bowling. He was one of only four judges who received recognition.

• Judge Jeffrey Walson Accepts Appointment as Family Court Judge in Clark/Madison Counties

Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert announced on Dec. 30, 2002, a second division of Family Court will be coming to Clark and Madison counties in 2003. District Judge Jeffrey M. Walson accepted the appointment to Family Court. Judge Walson brings a well-rounded perspective on the law that comes from his background in private practice, his service as a assistant commonwealth's attorney and nearly 10 years on
the bench.

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2003

• Chief Justice Joseph Lambert Announces Family Court Coming to Harrison, Nicholas, Pendleton, Robertson Counties

On January 3, 2003, Chief Justice Joseph Lambert announced that the 18th Judicial Circuit would implement a Family Court, giving citizens in Harrison, Nicholas, Pendleton and Robertson counties access to a court devoted exclusively to the needs of families and children.

• Jo Ann Wise Appointed to fill Family Court Judgeship for Fayette County
Governor Paul E. Patton appointed the Honorable Jo Ann Wise to serve as a circuit court judge for Family Court in Fayette County.

• Truancy Training Introduced in the 41st Judicial District

Family Court Judge Gene Clark and the Clay County Board of Education have introduced "Truancy Training" classes in the 41st Judicial District. This was an innovative concept derived from the collective input of school officials and Judge Clark. The training was designed to help reduce truancy in the local schools by educating parents on the pitfalls of persistent truancy.

Parents of truant children are ordered to attend and complete a two-hour training program conducted by the Board of Education. Day and night sessions are offered twice weekly. Training must be completed within 30 days. The board files an attendance and completion report with the court. Parents are advised that failure to satisfactorily complete the training can result in a finding of contempt of court with sanctions.

• Kimberly Bunnell Appointed to fill Family Court Judgeship for Fayette County

Judge Kimberly Bunnell obtained a B.S. degree in Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate
from the University of Kentucky College of Law. She began her legal career as an assistant Fayette County attorney. After being a prosecutor for eleven years, she was appointed to the District Court bench. She served as Chief Judge of Fayette District Court until her appointment to the Fayette Circuit Family Court.

• Christian Family Court Sponsors Art Contest

One hundred and fifty entries were received from participating schools for the "My Family Art Contest." Students, their families and friends enjoyed an open house, which featured the artwork of the students and named the winners in this year's contest. Twelve students received first, second or third place awards and there were 13 honorable mention awards. The winning entries will be on display in Christian Family Court for the next year. Circuit Judge Judy Hall initiated the art contest in 2001 in hopes it would help parents realize the importance of family values.

• District Judge David E. Melcher to Serve as Family Court Judge

Judge David Melcher accepted the appointment to serve as Family Court Judge in Harrison, Nicholas, Pendleton and Robertson Counties. Judge Melcher was elected as the 18th Judicial District Judge in November 1993. He graduated from the University of Dayton in 1968 and graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1971.

• Franklin Family Court Welcomes CASA

On June 1, 2003 Franklin County CASA moved into the Franklin County Family Court building at 321 West Main Street, Frankfort, Kentucky. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a non-profit organization, that has been in Frankfort since the fall of 1999.

• Family Court Judge appoints CASA Board for Children's Program

Barren-Metcalfe Family Court Judge Mitchell Nance appointed an advisory board on June 19, 2003, to oversee the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The 10-member board will train community volunteers who work with abused and neglected children.

• House Bill 380 - Setting the Jurisdiction of Family Court

The 2003 Regular Session of the General Assembly passed House Bill 380, relating to Family Courts, which became effective June 24, 2003. The bill served to repeal, reenact and amend KRS 23A.100 which sets forth the jurisdiction of the family court division of circuit court.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

SECTION 1. KRS 23A.100 IS REPEALED, REENACTED, AND AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

(1) As a division of Circuit Court with general jurisdiction pursuant to Section 112(6) of the Constitution of Kentucky, a family court division of Circuit Court shall retain jurisdiction in the following cases:
(a) Dissolution of marriage;
(b) Child custody;
(c) Visitation;
(d) Maintenance and support;
(e) Equitable distribution of property in dissolution cases;
(f) Adoption; and
(g) Termination of parental rights.

(2) In addition to general jurisdiction of Circuit Court, a family court division of Circuit Court shall have the following additional jurisdiction:
(a) Domestic violence and abuse proceedings under KRS Chapter 403 subsequent to the issuance of an emergency protective order in accord with local protocols under KRS 403.735;
(b) Proceedings under the Uniform Act on Paternity, KRS Chapter 406, and the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, KRS 407.5101 to 407.5902;
(c) Dependency, neglect, and abuse proceedings under KRS Chapter 620; and
(d) Juvenile status offenses under KRS Chapter 630, except where proceedings under KRS Chapter 635 or 640 are pending.
(3) Family court division of Circuit Court shall be the primary forum for cases in this section, except, that nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the concurrent jurisdiction of District Court.

SECTION 2. KRS 23A.110 REPEALED, REENACTED, AND AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS;

The additional jurisdiction of a family court division of Circuit Court shall be liberally construed and applied to promote its underlying purposes, which are as follows:
(1) To strengthen and preserve the integrity of the family and safeguard marital and familial relationships;
(2) To protect children and adult family members from domestic violence and abuse;
(3) To promote the amicable settlement of disputes that have arisen between family members;
(4) To assure an adequate remedy for children adjudged to be dependent, abused, or neglected, and for those children adjudicated as status offenders:
(5) To mitigate the potential harm to the spouses and their children caused by the process of legal dissolution of marriage;
(6) To make adequate provision for the care, custody, and support of minor children of divorce and for those children who have been born out of wedlock; and
(7) To provide a level of proceedings, when necessary, that is more appropriate to a family court division of Circuit Court.

• Franklin Family Court Launches a Safe Place

Franklin Family Court joined the ranks of more than 11,500 sites in 42 states that offer Safe Places. The Safe Place program was first launched in Louisville, Kentucky in 1983 through the YMCA of Greater Louisville. Safe Place in where children can turn in times of crisis. Businesses, community buildings and buses are designated as Safe Place sites and prominently display a distinctive yellow and black Safe Place logo. Any youth can walk into a Safe Place and let an employee know that they need help. They are quickly connected with a youth serving agency that can provide the help they need.

• Divorce Education Roundtable Held

Nearly all of the facilitators and administrators of Divorce Education programs in the Commonwealth met together to discuss funding and communication issues in October 2003. The meeting, held at Natural Bridge State Park, provided a rare opportunity for representatives of the four divorce education programs in the state-Families in Transition, Parents Education, Parents are for Good, and Divorcing and Divorced Parents-to share their perspective on their facilitation techniques, funding, and plans for the future. The program representatives traveled from over 40 counties in the Commonwealth to participate in the event hosted by the Department of Family Court. Communication and problem solving were major themes of the conference. The participants discussed how they can keep current and accurate information about all programs and staff, as well as how to collect evaluation data about their programs' successes. Several committees were formed at the conference to react to the needs of the divorce education providers. The committees will focus on developing evaluative tools that will be effective for every program, maintaining a structure for communication between programs, and planning future divorce education provider events.

• Family Court Administrator Training

In an effort to keep family court staff abreast on issues affecting the justice system, the Department of Family Court hosted a two-day Court Administrators Conference in October 2003. Almost all family court administrators were able to attend the meeting, which was held in Frankfort, Kentucky at the Administrative Office of Courts. Several speakers from AOC presented important topics for family court, including media relations, computer training, juvenile forms, and interpreter services.

• Family Court Judge Receives Kentucky White Ribbon

Family Court Judge Stephen Frazier, who serves Johnson, Lawrence and Martin counties, was honored by the FIVCO Area Domestic Violence Association and the Governor's Office on Domestic Violence for his work in curbing domestic violence in Lawrence county. This award is given each year to a man who is working to help end domestic violence against woman in the FIVCO area.

• Family Court Support Worker Honored

Mary Lou Cambron, Family Court Support Worker, was recognized as the 2003 Member of the Year for her work with the Jefferson County Citizens Review Panel. The Kentucky Citizens Review Panels honored Ms. Cambron at the appreciation dinner held in Midway, Kentucky. This is the second time in three years that Ms. Cambron has been recognized with this award. The Review Panel is designed to bring together concerned citizens to evaluate the activities of the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children by examining its policies and procedures, adoption and foster care systems, and its cooperation with others in the community to better the circumstances of the children and families in the community.

• Jefferson County Family Drug Court Receives Grant

Jefferson Family Drug Court received a $1.2 million grant for three years from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant will allow the project to expand services. The target population for participation in the program is substance-abusing women who have had their children placed out of their homes. The vision of the court is to facilitate the recovery and development of a safe, healthy, nurturing and permanent family for every child in a timely and therapeutic manner.

• Third Annual Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration Held for Foster Families in Pike County

Pike Family Court, Tree of Promise and the Big Sandy Foster/Adopt Association hosted the Third Annual Foster Family Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration for the foster children of the Big Sandy Region in December 2003. The Big Sandy Foster/Adopt Association is a nonprofit organization that accepts donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals of the community in order to host the event.

• McCracken Family Court Judge Presides over Teen Court

McCracken Family Court Judge Cynthia Sanderson swore in ninety Paducah teenagers as officers of the McCracken County Teen Court, one of the largest such programs in the state. Teen Court proactively involves

Kentucky Family Court's History: A Snapshot in Time