Public Notice Detail

MINNEAPOLIS,MN (May 7, 1999) -- On May 17th, the Hennepin County District Court (4th Judicial District) will recognize the volunteers who, for over 20 years, have made the Hennepin County Volunteer Guardian ad Litem Program a success.  This year's event is co-sponsored by the law firm of Faegre & Benson who has initiated a child advocacy project called "JUSTice FOR KIDS" to support the work of the volunteer guardians ad litem.

The Hennepin County Guardian ad Litem Program is a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA).  Throughout the United States, CASA/GAL volunteers serve as advocates in court proceedings for the best interests of abused and neglected children.  A powerful voice in a child's life, these volunteers take on very important responsibilities.  They think independently and objectively about each case and work with other professionals in the system to find safe, permanent homes for these children.

The initial project of Faegre & Benson's JUSTice for KIDS is to provide pro bono legal assistance for guardians ad litem working with state ward children in the mandated 90 day review hearings.  Their partnership with the Guardian ad Litem Program is a unique collaboration between government and the private sector for the purpose of improving services to children.  Other projects under development include the Friends of Children Foundation and public outreach to recruit volunteer guardians ad litem.

This year's recognition event will be held on May 17, 1999 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center (4th floor), 30 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis.  Guest speakers will be the Honorable Edward Touissant, Jr., Chief Judge, Minnesota Court of Appeals; the Honorable Pamela Alexander, Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Division, Hennepin County District Court and John Stanoch, Chief Deputy Attorney General and former judge of the Hennepin County District Court.