Judges

Posted by Katrice Williams

What Does the Volunteer TCP Judge Do?

Judges and Other Leaders Volunteer for CFCC’s Truancy Court Program

CFCC’s Truancy Court Program (TCP) relies on the exceptional commitments of volunteer TCP Judges, CFCC staff, University of Baltimore law students, public-school partners and generous funders who financially support the TCP.

The time commitment and passion of the TCP Judges, made up of Maryland District and Circuit Court judges, magistrates, and attorneys who volunteer to lead the TCP sessions is especially noteworthy. TCP Judges carve out time from their busy schedules to meet with students, teachers, and parents in school, once a week, for a duration of 10 to 14 weeks, depending on the school.

TCP Judge’s responsibilities include:

        • Preside over the Truancy Court Program at elementary, middle, and high schools
        • Review the weekly folders documenting attendance and grades for each student prepared by the student’s teachers and the TCP Team
        • Meet one-on-one with each child in the program, supported by the TCP Team and school representatives
        • Discuss issues and school attendance and performance with the student
        • Suggests next steps and goals for student
        • Offer encouragement and praise every week for 10 to 14 weeks
        • Celebrate the students’ graduations

Meetings between volunteer TCP Judges, TCP participants, and families bring the power and authority of the judge to the school without a punitive focus or adversarial atmosphere.

Their judge’s stature provides a powerful presence: When TCP Judges explain the immediate and long-term consequences of truancy, children and parents listen. Perhaps even more rewarding, by the end of the TCP session, each family has had the unforgettable experience of a judge who listens, cares and advocates for them.

The TCP is a rewarding experience for the judges too, many of whom have volunteered for five or more years! We honor and thank all of them for their dedication to the TCP and the participating students and families.

Participating Judges and Magistrates from Fall 2005 to Present

*Indicates TCP Honor Roll Members with 5+ years of service

Hon. Paul E. Alpert, Judge, Court of Special Appeals (Retired)

Hon. Nathan Braverman, Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, District 1, Baltimore City (Retired)

*Hon. Yvette M. Bryant, Associate Judge, Baltimore City Circuit Court, 8th Judicial Circuit; Judge-in-Charge, Family Division, 2013–2018

Steve Chaikin, Esq., Assistant State’s Attorney, Montgomery County

Hon. Kathleen Cox, Associate Judge, Baltimore County Circuit Court, Third Judicial Circuit

Hon. John F. Fader, Baltimore County Circuit Court, Third Judicial District (Retired)

Cynthia M. Ferris, Esq., Master in Chancery (Former), Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, 5th Judicial Circuit

*Mark Friedenthal, Assistant Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender, Maryland; 2019 recipient of the Anthony “Bubba” Green Star Player Award

Hon. Althea M. Handy, Associate Judge, Baltimore City Circuit Court, 8th Judicial Circuit, Judge-in-Charge, Civil Division, 2013–2018

Hon. Miriam B. Hutchins, Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, District 1, Baltimore City (Retired)

Hon. Norman E. Johnson, Jr., Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, District 1, Baltimore City (Retired)

Hon. Cynthia H. Jones, Associate Judge, Baltimore City Circuit Court, 8th Judicial Circuit

Magistrate Dawn Jones, Baltimore City Circuit Court

Linda A. Koban, Esq., Magistrate, Baltimore City Circuit Court (Retired)

*Joyce T. Mitchell, Esq., Magistrate, Baltimore City Juvenile Court (Retired)

Hon. Catherine Curran O’Malley, Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, District 1, Baltimore City

Hon. Vincent Mulieri, Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, District 7, Anne Arundel County

*Kristin L. Peacock, Esq., Magistrate for Juvenile Causes, Baltimore City Circuit Court, 8th Judicial Circuit

*Hon. Charles J. Peters, Associate Judge, Baltimore City Circuit Court, 8th Judicial Circuit, Judge-in-Charge, Criminal Division

Lynae T. Polk, Esq., Magistrate for Juvenile Causes, Baltimore City Circuit Court, 8th Judicial Circuit

Hon. Joan E. Ryon, Associate Judge, Montgomery County Circuit Court, 6th Judicial Circuit

Hon. James B. Sarsfield, Associate Judge, Montgomery County, District 6, District Court of Maryland (Retired)

Hon. Kathleen Sweeney, Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, District 1, Baltimore City

Hon. Ronald A. Silkworth, Associate Judge, Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, 5th Judicial Circuit; Chief Judge, 1996–2019 (Retired)

Julius A. Silvestri, Jr., Esq., Magistrate for Juvenile Causes, Baltimore City Circuit Court, 8th Judicial Circuit

George Simms III, Esq., Assistant State’s Attorney, Montgomery County

Hon. Thomas J. S. Waxter, Jr., Associate Judge, Baltimore City Circuit Court, 8th Judicial Circuit (Retired)

Hon. Halee F. Weinstein, Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, District 1, Baltimore City, Judge-in-Charge, Eastside District Court, 2014–Present

*Hon. David W. Young, Associate Judge, Baltimore City Circuit Court, 8th Judicial Circuit (Retired) Violetville Elementary