Community Child Advocacy Forum

July 30, 2008 - PRLog -- We need people who care about children caught in our child protection system. Social workers, child advocates and families positively impacted by court involvement will share their experiences and stories. Becoming a Guardian ad Litem (court appointed special advocate), and other ways community members can become involved will be discussed.

Sponsored by the Minnesota Association of Black Social Workers & Hennepin County’s Guardian Ad Litem Program.

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED AND CAN’T MAKE THE FORUM, PLEASE CALL FOR AN INFORMATION PACKET (612) 348-6824 OR (651) 266-5270

What is a Guardian ad Litem?:

1) WHY IS A GUARDIAN APPOINTED?

A Guardian Ad Litem is usually an attorney or individual appointed by the Court to represent the child(ren) in a legal dispute concerning their custody or welfare. Many people wonder why any court would think that the parties (usually parents of the child) would not have the concerns of the child in mind. However, in many cases, the parties to the case are so wrapped up in his/her own problems or needs that they fail to see the situation from the perspective of the child(ren). The court appoints the guardian so that he/she does not owe any allegiance to either party. They can be objective in the investigation and recommendation as to what disposition would be in the best interests of the child(ren).

2) WHAT DOES A GUARDIAN DO?
A guardian is empowered to investigate the entire background, living conditions, family relationships, and any other matter related thereto in order to make a recommendation to the court as to what would be in the best interests of the child as to placement, visitation, and other matters ruled upon by the court. They can make home visits, speak with anyone in person, by phone, or any other method of communication. They can also, with the courts help, subpoena witnesses to testify and to appear in court. The guardian usually makes a report to the court recommending a specific outcome. The parties do not have to accept the report, but can present their own witnesses and evidence in court. The Judge makes the final determination on the disposition of the child(ren). However, the report of the guardian, if presented properly to the parties prior to trial, can sometimes lead to settlement of the issues without the expense of a trial.

About Judge Tanya M. Bransford, Hennepin County Juvenile Court:

Biography

Tanya M. Bransford has served as a District Court Judge in Hennepin County District Court since 1994. Judge Bransford currently is the Presiding Judge in the Juvenile Division in Hennepin County District Court. Judge Bransford was initially appointed by Governor Arne Carlson and elected by the citizens of Hennepin County in 1996 and re-elected in 2002.

Judge Bransford currently presides over juvenile cases, including delinquency, child protection, truancy, adoptions and adult certification motions. Judge Bransford has previously presided over civil, criminal and traffic cases.

Judge Bransford is the recipient of several honors and awards including the Distinguished Alumni Award from North St. Paul High School, the 2000 Distinguished Alumna Award from Hamline University School of Law and the 1998 Hennepin County Star Performer Award for her efforts in Promoting Diversity within the District Court. She was also recognized in the February 2000 Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine as one of Minnesota's Rising Stars.

Judge Bransford also participates in the improvement of the criminal justice system through her work as Co-Chair for the state Racial Fairness in the Courts Committee and as Co-Chair of the Hennepin County Equal Justice Committee. Judge Bransford is also Chair of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, serves as a member of the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board and the Hennepin County Chemical Dependency Task Force.

Judge Bransford began her judicial career as a Worker's Compensation Judge in the Office of Administrative Hearings. Judge Bransford was the first African American female Worker's Compensation Judge in the State of Minnesota.

Judge Bransford is a graduate of Hamline University School of Law and a cum laude graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College. Judge Bransford is involved in various community and legal organizations and is a member of the Board of Advisors for Hamline University School of Law, and the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers.

Assignment History

Juvenile, 7/2003-Present
Civil & Criminal, 1/2000-6/2003
Criminal, 5/1998-12/1999
Civil & Criminal, 5/1997-4/1998
Criminal, 1/1997-4/1997
Juvenile, 6/1995-12/1996
Criminal, 7/1994-5/1995

Judicial Activities:

Presiding Judge, Juvenile Division, Spring 2006-Present
Fourth Judicial District Executive Committee, 2004-Present
Vice Chair Racial Fairness in the Courts Committee, 1993-Present
Co-Chair of the Hennepin County Equal Justice Committee, 1995-Present

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