IOWA

Judge lets foster kids go to hearings

It's not the first time Iowa youths have pressed for changes in foster care.

Kayla Pettit is one of about 50 Des Moines-area youths in a group called Elevate, which empowers teens to educate the public about foster care and adoption.

Last spring, the youths told a bar association meeting in Des Moines they felt left out of the court process, where decisions are made about their parents' ability to care for them, and their own future.

One foster youth, Mike Merrick, 17, recalled: "I told them we want to tell the judge our thoughts but often never get a chance. ... You can get out of school for a doctor's appointment or the dentist, so you should get out for court. "That's more important than getting braces or teeth pulled."

After listening to the youths, Judge Joe E. Smith said he had a change of heart. "I thought, 'Well, of course, that makes sense.' I was somewhat embarrassed at my own lack of insight," said Smith, an associate judge in District Court in Polk County.

Smith now tells lawyers and social workers they need to make arrangements for children - generally those 8 and up, although any age is welcome unless attendance would be hurtful - to come to hearings.

Not all the lawyers and social workers agree. For some, it's an extra hassle. Others think the court hearings are not healthy for the kids.

But Smith is holding firm. "We have to remember these kids have seen more than ever comes out and they've lived through pain," he said. "They're not going to hear anything that'll shock or amaze them."

Appearing in court can be intimidating, so Elevate conducts seminars to teach kids courtroom etiquette, building their confidence to speak up.

Judge Connie Cohen said Polk County is also adding books, crayons and Beanie Babies to make courtrooms more friendly. "How differently we act when there is a baby in any room," she said. "It keeps us focused, and reminds us we are all there concerning a child, not a case file."

Jennifer Jacobs
11 February 2007

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070211/NEWS10/702110347/-1/LIFE04

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