ANNAPOLIS, MD—The workgroup is a product of Senate Bill 567, sponsored by Senator Susan Lee, signed by Governor Hogan, which tasks the workgroup to examine issues that arise as these cases move through the justice system. The workgroup will discuss how to incorporate the latest research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in their processes and decision-making, and make recommendations to Governor Hogan and the General Assembly about how state courts should move forward with policies and practices that help ensure the safety and well-being of children and other victims of domestic violence.

WHAT: New Workgroup to Study Child Custody Court Proceedings Involving Child Abuse or Domestic Violence Allegations

WHEN: Tuesday, June 25, 2019, 10:00 AM

WHERE: Lowe House Office Building, House Judiciary Hearing Room 101, 6 Bladen St, Annapolis, MD 21401

WHO: Speaker: Joan Meier, Professor of Clinical Law, George Washington Law and Legal Director of Domestic Violence Legal Empowerment & Appeals Project

Workgroup Members:

Secretary of State John Wobensmith, Workgroup Chair, Office of the MD Secretary of State
Anne Hoyer, Director of Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program
Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, Maryland House of Delegates
Senator Mary Beth Carozza, Maryland State Senate
Camille Cooper, Vice President of Public Policy at RAINN
Paul Griffin, Legal Director at Child Justice, Inc.
Sonia Hinds, Founder & Director of Barstow Acres​
Inga James, Executive Director of The Heartly House
Delegate Jazz Lewis, Maryland House of Delegates
Senator Susan Lee, Maryland State Senate
Joyce Lombardi, Esq., Director of Government Relations & Legal Services, Baltimore Child Abuse Center
Ruby Parker, Assistant Director at The Family Tree
Claudia Remington, Executive Director of Maryland State Council on Child Abuse & Neglect (SCANN)
Laure Ruth, Legal Director of Women’s Law Center
Dr. Jennifer Shaw, Psy. D., Founding Partner of Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education