In a significant move to reform the state’s family justice system, Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson and Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas have announced the creation of the Permanent Commission on Justice for Families. This diverse panel is tasked with examining the myriad issues affecting families, youth, and children across New York State.
The family courts in New York handle some of the most personal and sensitive cases, ranging from child custody disputes to matters of domestic violence. Despite recent efforts to add judgeships and implement new technologies, these courts continue to face significant challenges, including overwhelming caseloads and limited resources. The newly formed commission aims to promote equity, access, transparency, and understanding within the family justice system statewide.
Leading the commission are Statewide Coordinating Judge for Family Court Matters Richard Rivera, New York City Family Court Administrative Judge Anne-Marie Jolly, and Dawne A. Mitchell, Chief Attorney of The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice. Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina G. Richardson will serve as Chair Emerita, with attorney and children’s advocate Louise Feld as Executive Director.
The commission comprises a broad spectrum of family justice system professionals and partners. Members will be assigned to working groups based on their expertise to identify pressing issues and respond to emerging needs. These groups will collaborate to report their findings and recommendations to Chief Judge Wilson and the court system’s judicial leadership team.
This initiative reflects a renewed commitment to addressing the systemic challenges within New York’s family justice system and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to better serve the state’s most vulnerable populations.
