INDIANA JUDGE TO RECEIVE 2008 FAIRBANKS CIRCLE OF HOPE AWARD
Hon. Linda Chezem
On May 5, 2008, Fairbanks will honor former Court of Appeals and Lawrence County Circuit Court Judge Linda Chezem with the Richard M. Fairbanks Circle of Hope Award. Fairbanks is a nonprofit organization focused on recovery from alcohol and other drug problems, serving as a resource to improve the well being of individuals, families and communities by offering hope and support through its programs and services. The award will be presented to her at an annual dinner, which raises awareness in the community about alcohol and drug addiction.
The Richard M. Fairbanks Circle of Hope Award recognizes outstanding contributions related to research, education, or treatment of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. With more than 30 years of service in the Indiana justice system, Judge Chezem has advocated for policy changes in government and law enforcement in regards to substance abuse and addiction in local, state and federal government. Her focus on the improvement of adjudication through education led her to conclude that drug and alcohol abuse and addiction is the single largest public health issue in the United States. Judge Chezem developed and implemented the Lawrence County Court Alcohol and Drug Service Program, which was the first of its kind to be certified by the Indiana Division of Addiction Services. She also served as a special assistant to Dr. Ting-Kai Li at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
Judge Chezem is currently a professor at the School of Agriculture at Purdue University, and an adjunct professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She is an alumnus of Indiana State University and Indiana University School of Law.
The Fairbanks Circle of Hope Dinner will begin with a reception at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Boston Legal and Night Court star, John Larroquette, will be the keynote speaker for the evening. For more information about tickets and event sponsorships, you may call 317.572.9303 or visit www.fairbankscd.org.
DIVISION ATTORNEY NOMINATED FOR 2008 TORCHBEARER AWARD
Leslie Rogers Dunn
Leslie Rogers Dunn, director of the Guardian Ad Litem /Court Appointed Special Advocate (GAL/CASA) Program for the Indiana Supreme Court’s Division of State Court Administration, was honored as one of the nominees for this year’s Torchbearer Award, one of the highest honors given by the State of Indiana.
The Torchbearer Awards are sponsored by the Indiana Commission for Women and recognize a wide array of achievements. The award honors women who have overcome obstacles or whose achievements have made Indiana a better place to live.
“As director of Indiana’s GAL/CASA Program, Leslie Dunn is helping make families, and entire communities, better place for our children. We are extremely proud of the work she does and this nomination is recognition of her efforts and their impact on Hoosier children,” said Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard.
There are more than 2,000 GAL/CASA volunteers across Indiana, and they represent the interests of more than 17,000 children who suffer from abuse or neglect.
Indiana law requires the appointment of either a guardian ad litem, or a trained court appointed special advocate, in abuse and neglect cases or when there is a petition to terminate the parent/child relationship and the parent objects.
In addition to the abuse and neglect cases, Indiana law allows for, and Indiana courts are now frequently appointing, CASA volunteers in custody and paternity cases.