William Mitchell Law Review

Hon. Paula J. Hepner

Keywords: Best Practices; Child Welfare; Courts; Judges; Juvenile Justice

In 2003, family court judge Paula J. Hepner noticed that LGBTQ2S+ youth in her courtroom experienced discrimination in many areas of their lives. She argues that judges are in a unique position to bring about systemic change within their state and local judicial systems and have the opportunity to improve the experiences of LGBTQ2S+ families, adults, and children when some aspect of their lives brings them into court. This journal article is a “blueprint” for undertaking a collaborative effort to achieve meaningful reform for court-involved LGBTQ2S+ people. [Summary adapted from resource.]

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Blueprint for Respect: Creating an Affirming Environment in the Courts for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Communities