Lisa Finkey, J.D.
Overview and History
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded the Wyoming Supreme Court a court grant in July 1999. The purpose of the grant is to assess and improve the juvenile court system’s process involving Wyoming’s most vulnerable population—abused and neglected children. In October 1999, the Supreme Court appointed an advisory council consisting of judges, attorneys, a representative from the Department of Family Services, a foster care alumna, and other professionals involved in the child protection system.
News and Events
Upcoming Webinar: Is This the Best We Can Do?
The Children’s Justice Project and Casey Family Programs will again welcome Dr. Judy Grisel and Paul DiLorenzo for a one-and-a-half hour presentation to continue the discussion on working with parents with substance abuse issues. This webinar will take place on December 22, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m.
To join the presentation, please use the following link on December 22, 2020, at 12:00 p.m.: Join Webinar Here.
Panel Presentation on Working with Parents with Substance Abuse Issues
The Children’s Justice Project and Casey Family Programs will be hosting a two-hour panel presentation on working with parents with substance abuse issues on October 14th from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. On the panel will be Paul DiLorenzo, a child welfare expert who spend most of his career working for Casey Family Programs and is currently servicing and the Interim Executive Director of the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance; Judy Grisel, a professor of psychology at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania and author of the New York Times best selling book Never Enough, The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction; and a soon to be announced subject matter expert on substance abuse treatment in Wyoming.
This panel presentation, along with two upcoming webinars, will take the place of the in person training that was cancelled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
If you have a question you would like posed to the panel, please email your question to lfinkey@courts.state.wy.us.
To join the presentation, please click here on October 14th at 12:00 p.m. Join Panel Presentation
In-Person Parental Substance Abuse Training Cancelled, To Be Replaced with Further Webinars
Due to travel restrictions, the in-person training on parental substance abuse scheduled for October 5th has been cancelled. In its place, Casey Family Programs and the Children’s Justice Project will be working to put together additional webinars related to parental substance abuse. Further information will be released at a later date.
Third Parental Substance Abuse Training to be Hosted on Microsoft Teams
The third webinar in the three-part webinar series regarding addiction and parental substance abuse hosted by Casey Family Programs and the Wyoming Children’s Justice Project will occur on August 5th at noon. Due to some unforeseen technical issues, the platform for hosting the third webinar has changed and the third webinar will be hosted on Microsoft Teams.
The third webinar, Understanding the Intersection of Parental Substance Abuse and Child Maltreatment, is scheduled as follows:
When: August 5, 2020
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Advanced registration is not required. To attend, please follow the link below on August 5th at noon.
Registration for Second Parental Substance Abuse Training is Now Open
The Wyoming Children’s Justice Project and Casey Family Programs will be hosting a three-part webinar series regarding addiction and parental substance abuse, followed by a four hour in person training in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The webinars will be held on June 24th, July 15th, and August 5th at noon. The in person training will not be held until October 9th and will be subject to any COVID-19 restrictions that may be in place.
The second webinar, Development, Drugs, and Despair: Primed for Addiction, is scheduled as follows:
When: July 15, 2020
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting at:
https://casey.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUvdu2sqzktGNXGvjWwRaHsQ5RJPXTuYslp
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Registration for the other meetings will follow.
Recording of First Wyoming Children’s Justice Project and Casey Family Programs Sponsored Training on Parental Substance Abuse Now Available.
The Wyoming Children’s Justice Project and Casey Family Programs will be hosting a three-part webinar series regarding addiction and parental substance abuse, followed by a four hour in person training in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The webinars will be held on June 24th, July 15th, and August 5th at noon. The in person training will not be held until October 9th and will be subject to any COVID-19 restrictions that may be in place.
The trainers for these meetings will be Dr. Judy Griesel and Paul DiLorenzo. Dr. Grisel is author of the New York Times Bestseller Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction, and is a professor of psychology at Bucknell University. Paul is the Interim Executive Director of the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance and has a four-decade history of experience in child welfare and youth development settings.
These webinars will be hosted by Casey Family Programs on Zoom.
The recording of the first webinar can be found here.
Wyoming Children’s Justice Project and Casey Family Programs Sponsor Training on Parental Substance Abuse
The Wyoming Children’s Justice Project and Casey Family Programs will be hosting a three-part webinar series regarding addiction and parental substance abuse, followed by a four hour in person training in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The webinars will be held on June 24th, July 15th, and August 5th at noon. The in person training will not be held until October 9th and will be subject to any COVID-19 restrictions that may be in place.
The trainers for these meetings will be Dr. Judy Griesel and Paul DiLorenzo. Dr. Grisel is author of the New York Times Bestseller Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction, and is a professor of psychology at Bucknell University. Paul is the Interim Executive Director of the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance and has a four-decade history of experience in child welfare and youth development settings.
These webinars will be hosted by Casey Family Programs on Zoom.
2020 Golden Award Given to Social Services Worker Janet Prosser
At the 2020 Wyoming Joint Symposium on Children and Youth, DFS Social Services Worker Janet Prosser from the 5th Judicial District was awarded the Golden Award. The award presentation can be viewed here:
DFS Director Korin Schmidt Discusses the Family First Prevention Services Act
Korin Schmidt, Director of the Department of Family Services, sat down with Children’s Justice Project Coordinator Lisa Finkey to discuss the Family First Prevention Services Act and its implications for Wyoming. You can listen to the interview here:
Welcome to the Children’s Justice Portal! The Children’s Justice Portal is designed to provide audio and video resources for individuals involved in the child welfare system in Wyoming to improve their understanding of child welfare related topics. Resources are archived here, with new resources being added when available. Resources are organized by topic. Click on the title of the presentation you are interested in to view the presentation.
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences Part I: ACEs: This is the first of three presentations regarding the basic concepts of adverse childhood experiences and protective factors. The presenter is Jennifer Davis, a certified ACEs trainer.
Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences Part II: Protective Factors: This is the second of three presentations regarding the basic concepts of adverse childhood experiences and protective factors. The presenter is Jennifer Davis, a certified ACEs trainer.
Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences Part III: Practice: This is the third of three presentations regarding the basic concepts of adverse childhood experiences and protective factors. The presenter is Jennifer Davis, a certified ACEs trainer.
Case Planning
The Wyoming Practice Model and Case Plans: This presentation is a brief overview of the Wyoming Practice Model and case planning. Presenters are Sara Serelson of the Wyoming Department of Family Services and Lisa K. Finkey of the Wyoming Supreme Court Children’s Justice Project.
Juvenile Court
Ethics for Child Welfare Attorneys: This presentation is an overview of ethics obligations for child welfare attorneys. The presenters are Wyoming Bar Counsel, Mark Gifford, J.D., and Lisa K. Finkey, J.D., Wyoming Supreme Court Children’s Justice Project Coordinator. This presentation was given at the 2020 Wyoming Joint Symposium on Children and Youth.
Tools of the Trade: Using the Rules of Procedure to Craft Your Case: This presentation is a brief overview of the Rules of Procedure applicable to child welfare proceedings in Wyoming. The presenter is Wendy Ross, J.D., of the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office. This presentation was given at the 2020 Wyoming Joint Symposium on Children and Youth.
What to Say When the Judge Asks a Question: 2020 Annual Legal Update: This presentation includes the annual case law update given every year at the Wyoming Joint Symposium. This presentation is the 2020 update, presented by Christina McCabe, J.D., of the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, and Joe Belcher, J.D., Chief Deputy of the Wyoming Guardian ad Litem Program.
Substance Abuse
Working with Substance Abusing Parents Part I: Substance Abuse and Child Maltreatment: This is the first in a three part series on Working with Substance Abusing Parents hosted by the Wyoming Children’s Justice Project and Casey Family Programs. The trainers for these meetings are Dr. Judy Griesel and Paul DiLorenzo. Dr. Grisel is author of the New York Times Bestseller Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction, and is a professor of psychology at Bucknell University. Paul is the Interim Executive Director of the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance and has a four-decade history of experience in child welfare and youth development settings.
Working with Substance Abusing Parents Part II: Development, Drugs & Despair: This is the second in a three part series on Working with Substance Abusing Parents hosted by the Wyoming Children’s Justice Project and Casey Family Programs.
Working with Substance Abusing Parents Part III: Understanding the Intersection of Parental Substance Abuse and Child Maltreatment: This is the third in a three part series on Working with Substance Abusing Parents hosted by the Wyoming Children’s Justice Project and Casey Family Programs.
October 14, 2020, Panel Presentation on Parental Substance Abuse: The presenters from the previous three webinars are joined by Laura Schmid-Pizzato of Southwest Counseling for a panel presentation on working with individuals with substance issues.
System Evolution
2020 Wyoming Joint Symposium Keynote Address by Commissioner Jerry Milner of the Children’s Bureau: Commissioner Jerry Milner of the Children’s Bureau shares his vision for the child welfare system.
Working with Children
Interacting with Children and Youth in the Justice System Who May be Experiencing Mental, Substance Use, and Traumatic Stress Conditions: This is a presentation from the 2020 Wyoming Joint Symposium on Children and Youth. This presentation is a brief overview of the Mental Health Training for Juvenile Justice (MHT-JJ) . This session is for professionals who work with children, youth and/or adults involved in the justice system to help them better understand the effects this involvement may have on them. The MHT-JJ increases knowledge of adolescent development, child trauma and adolescent behavioral health conditions to help staff develop an understanding of how these issues may affect youth-staff interactions. Many juveniles and young adults are experiencing behavioral health conditions or traumatic stress reactions and juvenile justice involvement can exacerbate a youth’s condition. Presenters are Kai-Ley Wilson Herb and Jamie Eaton.
WY Home Matters
WY Home Matters: An Introduction to Wyoming’s Family First Prevention Process: Cari Cuffney of the Wyoming Department of Family Services introduces WY Home Matters, Wyoming’s prevention initiative under the Family First Prevention Services Act.
Non-Children’s Justice Project Resources
Disparate Treatment
Over-representation of Marginalized Communities in Child Welfare: From the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
Domestic Violence and Child Welfare
Child Welfare Issues in Domestic Violence Cases: Addressing the Unique Needs of American Indian/Alaska Native Families: From the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
Effective Intervention for Child Exposure to Domestic Violence: From the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
Improving Child Welfare Practice for Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence: From the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
The Intersection of Domestic Violence and Child Maltreatment: From the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
Working with Adolescents Exposed to Domestic Violence: From the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
High Quality Legal Representation
High Quality Legal Representation in Juvenile and Family Courts: From the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
Human Trafficking
The Disturbing Connection Between Foster Care and Domestic Child Sex Trafficking: From the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
Incarcerated Parents
Expanding Housing Options for the Formerly Incarcerated: From the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Mental Health
Moving Mental Health Systems from Perpetuating Disparities to Promoting Culturally Relevant Healing: From the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Parents
Strategies for Helping Young Fathers: From the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Permanency
Improving Permanency Outcomes for Older Youth: From the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Prevention
Learn to Develop a Preventive Child Welfare Practice Model for the Family First Act: From the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Preventing Child Neglect by Building Protective Factors: From the Center for the Study of Social Policy.
Substance Abuse
Changing How We Treat Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: From the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare.
Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience of Addiction: Understanding the Brain Science: From the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
Opioid Addiction & Treatment in Tribal Communities: From the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
Resources to Support Families in Child Welfare Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders: From the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare.
Teen Dating Violence
Teen Dating Violence: Cyber Abuse, Social Media, and the Courts: From the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
Trauma
Creating Trauma-Sensitive Communities: From the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
What Every Judge and Attorney Needs to Know about the Trauma of Removal: From the ABA Center on Children and the Law.
Youth
Transformational Relationships and Youth Success: From the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Children’s Justice Project Advisory Council
The Court Improvement Program Grant requires state courts to form a statewide multidisciplinary task force which included state and local courts, the state title IV-B/IV-E agency and, where applicable, Indian tribes or tribal consortiums. This task force should jointly review and discuss child welfare outcome data on court-involved youth and families, data that may be available from court data systems, and discussion of what those data may mean and how court or attorney practice may be contributing to such data. Meetings are to be used as an opportunity to monitor and review goals, identify opportunities for interventions and plan CIP involvement in program planning and improvement efforts with the title IV-E/IV-B agency.
The Wyoming Supreme Court established this required task force as the Children’s Justice Project Advisory Council. The Advisory Council operates under the direction and supervision of the Chief Justice of the Wyoming Supreme Court and must demonstrate meaningful, ongoing collaboration among the courts, the Wyoming Department of Family Services and the Indian Tribes in the State. Rules for the Children’s Justice Project Advisory Council can be found below.
Meeting Schedule
- December 11, 2020 – 10:00 a.m.
- March 12, 2021 – 10:00 a.m.
- May 14, 2021 – 10:00 a.m.
- September 10, 2021 – 10:00 a.m.
- December 10, 2021 – 10:00 a.m.
Order Appointing Council Members
Rules
Strategic Plan
Minutes
- May 2020 Minutes
- 2019 May Minutes
- 2019 March Minutes
- 2018 December Minutes
- 2018 September Minutes
- 2018 May Minutes
- 2018 March Minutes
- 2017 December Minutes
- 2017 September Minutes
- 2017 May Minutes
- 2017 March Minutes
- 2016 December Minutes
- 2016 August Minutes
- 2016 June Minutes
- 2016 March Minutes
- 2015 December Minutes
- 2015 August Minutes
- 2015 June Minutes
- 2015 March Minutes
- 2014 December Minutes
- 2014 August Minutes
- 2014 June Minutes
- 2014 March Minutes
- 2014 January Minutes
- 2013 October Minutes
Resources
The Children’s Justice Project publishes various handbooks regarding juvenile court in Wyoming. These publications can be downloaded in PDF form below.
Data
This page is currently under construction.
The Golden Award
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 Golden Award! For more information, please email lfinkey@courts.state.wy.us.
In 2008, the Wyoming Supreme Court Children’s Justice Project established the Excellence Award to recognize an individual involved in the child welfare system who has made significant contributions to the system and is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. The award is presented each year at the Children’s Justice Conference. Nominations for the award are solicited statewide. The Award Selection Committee is comprised of past award recipients. In 2014, the Excellence Award was renamed after Justice Michael Golden (the 2014 Excellence Award recipient) and is now referred to as the Justice Michael Golden Award or the “Golden Award”.
Past Awardees:
- 2020 Janet Prosser
- 2019 Jeri and Marshall Sanderson
- 2018 Guardian ad Litem Anniversary Celebration (10 years)
- 2017 Sandra S. Kitchen
- 2016 John M. Burman
- 2015 Judge Steven Cranfill
- 2014 Justice Michael Golden
- 2012 Brenden McKinney
- 2011 Jean Day
- 2010 Rick Robb
- 2009 Stacey Obrecht
- 2008 Dan Wilde