Presiding Judge Ashby Attends National Child Abuse and Neglectinstitute
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Colorado Judicial Branch
Mary J. Mullarkey, Chief Justice
Gerald Marroney, State Court Administrator
______
June 16, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Karen Salaz
303/837-3633
1-800-888-0001 Ext. 633
Presiding Judge Ashby attends national Child Abuse and NeglectInstitute
Second Judicial District, Juvenile Court Presiding Judge Karen Ashby recently returned from the Child Abuse and Neglect Institute held June 6-11 in Reno,Nev. The institute, focusing on the role of the judge in child abuse and neglect cases, was sponsored by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Ashby was selected by the State Justice Institute (SJI) to receive a scholarship to attend the conference.
“The institute was an excellent opportunity to hear about new developments in child welfare law and review best practices from around the country,” says Ashby. “As a juvenile court judge, I am always looking at ways to improve our service to children and families. This course was full of specific information to assist in that goal.”
The conference was sponsored by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, of which Ashby is a member.Approximately 30 people attended from across the country. Several nationally recognized child abuse and neglect experts presented diverse programs designed to raise the awareness of attendees in all areas of child abuse and neglect law. Ashby will be working with other judges in Colorado who deal with abuse and neglect cases to integrate the information from the training into the state’s program.
“Cases involving abused and neglected children present a special set of challenges for judges,” says Ashby. “We must adhere to a unique set of laws, balance the limited remedies available to us, and try to find a solution that will be in the best interest of the child.”
Judge Ashby was appointed to the Denver Juvenile Court bench in September 1998. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she practiced in the Denver Trial Office of the Colorado State Public Defender for five years and was in private practice in Denver, specializing in criminal trials and appeals and in family law. Judge Ashby hears all types of juvenile cases and has served as the presiding judge of the Denver Juvenile Court since July, 1999.
The State Justice Institute is a non-profit organization established by federal law to award grants to improve the quality of justice in state courts nationwide, facilitate better coordination between state and federal courts, and foster innovative efficient solution to common problems faced by all courts. More information about the institute is available on the SJI website
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