news Colorado Judicial Branch Mary J. Mullarkey, Chief Justice Gerald Marroney, State Court Administrator

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________July 12, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Karen Salaz

303/837-3633

1-800-888-0001 Ext. 633

New liaison position created in Denver Juvenile Court

Gretchen Russo to help manage dependency and neglect cases

A one-year pilot program has begun in Denver Juvenile Court under the direction of Presiding Denver Juvenile Judge Karen Ashby. A new liaison position, made possible by a grant from the Denver Department of Human Services, has been created to increase cooperation and communication among the courts and others involved in dependency and neglect cases. Gretchen Russo filled the new position on June 9.

"As a juvenile court judge, I am always looking at ways to improve our service to children and families." says Judge Ashby. "We are finding that often preventing and addressing child abuse takes a partnership to help ensure children grow up in safe and nurturing homes.

"While we may not always agree on all policy and practice issues, we are committed to working together to critically evaluate our practices and identify ways in which we can improve court and agency practice to the benefit of kids and families," adds Ashby.

Russo, who is a lawyer and a registered nurse, will be working with families, Denver and state human services officials, other agencies, community members, attorneys and other professionals.

"The position of court/DDHS liaison is a perfect match combining my interests in the safety and health of children and families, along with the vast legal issues relating to child welfare, says Russo.

"I am excited about the opportunity to work with many different people within the Denver Juvenile Court, the Denver Department of Human Services and the community for the benefit of children and families in Denver," she adds.
The Denver Juvenile Court was designated as a "Model Court" by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges earlier this year. The project focuses on improving court practices in child abuse and neglect cases. Ms. Russo's position is a reflection of the commitment of the Denver Department of Human Services and the Court to work collaboratively in seeking better outcomes for families.

Russo will work with the Denver Department of Human Services, the Colorado Department of Human Services and other organizations in the Family Community Initiative Collaborations, a project that aims to include extended family, neighbors, community members and community groups in assisting families with children who have been referred to the Denver Juvenile Court as dependent or neglected.

Russo is a May 2004 graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, WA, where she received Gonzaga's annual Commitment to Public Service Award the same year.

She earned bachelor of science degrees in nursing and psychology from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, graduating in March 1998.

Russo's previous jobs include more than three years coordinating health care for children in Utah's child welfare program and a year as a law clerk in the Washington State Attorney General's social and health services division. For the past year, Russo has been a division specialist in Denver Juvenile Court, assisting Judge Dana Wakefield with preparation of the docket, review and drafting of legal documents and legal research projects in the juvenile justice and child welfare fields.

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