The following op-ed is written by Abigail Voelker, candidate in the primary for Campbell County Family Court judge
The question posed is specifically, “Why Am I Running for Election this Year?” The truth is, for many years, I have been intentional with my career path and preparing for this opportunity to run as your next Campbell County Family Court Judge. Several months ago when Judge (Richard) Woeste, our current Campbell County Family Court Judge, announced he would not be seeking re-election, I knew without a doubt, this was my time to serve in this role. I am the most uniquely qualified candidate to serve as your next Family Court Judge.
My initial exposure to the issues a family court handles actually began as early as 1987, when my parent’s began fostering children. Over the many years that they fostered countless children, I saw firsthand the complex challenges faced when making decisions about a child’s future. These decisions impacted entire families, as well as the trajectory for a child’s future. Through my first hand observations of these cases, I realized my calling in life was to protect children and help families in the midst of crisis. I also realized that we can only protect children in our families if we are willing to give of ourselves and our time. As a result, years later, I also chose to become a foster parent and have adopted a child who was placed in our care. This personal perspective, along with my experience practicing family law, has allowed me to fully recognize the need to examine each family court case individually and with compassion.
Having over 15 years of experience as an accomplished attorney, I bring a keen understanding of the family court system. I have owned a private law practice, where the majority of my work focused on all aspects of family law cases, including, countless divorces, custody cases, paternity actions, domestic violence cases, adoptions, serving as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) to represent the child’s best interest, as well as handling dependency, neglect, and abuse cases. I have represented mothers, fathers, grandparents, and children as they navigated through very difficult times. In 2017, I realized my passion for protecting children and families could be better utilized by closing my private practice and serving as an attorney for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. In that capacity, I began handling termination of parental rights cases, as well as consulting on issues our social workers were facing each day in the field. I entered the frontline of seeing some of the very real trauma impacting our families and children. Most importantly, I have gained insight and experience beyond what could be gained in private practice that is invaluable to serving as family court judge.
Additionally, I had the unique opportunity to work with the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop a training program about child safety and protection. I presented this training on the topic of “Understanding Safety, Risk and the Court Process” across the Commonwealth to other attorneys and judges. I have provided leadership and vision as a former member of the Board of Directors for Holly Hill Child and Family Solutions, which offers residential treatment and behavioral health services to benefit families in Northern Kentucky. In 2019, I was appointed to serve on the Kentucky Bar Association Committee on Child Protection and Domestic Violence. This committee is responsible for reviewing various legal aspects surrounding juvenile issues. The work of this committee has included the publication of a handbook on Children’s Rights.
As a lifelong Campbell County resident, I am invested in the families and children in our county. Through years of involvement in the community, I have volunteered countless hours working with children in Children’s Ministry Programs through my church and by coaching youth sports teams. These experiences represent my family focused passion and dedication to children and have earned me the respect of my peers for integrity, honest, and fairness. These attributes along with my legal experience in family court matters make me the most experienced candidate to serve as your Family Court Judge.
As the next Campbell County Family Court Judge, I intend to introduce a “trauma informed courtroom.” I understand the effects trauma has on a person and will use techniques to make sure every person’s voice is heard. Additionally, I intend to expedite cases where answers are needed immediately, especially when children are being affected during the wait. As the Court, we must minimize trauma to children, when possible. My extensive understanding of family law and will ensure our family court system will continue to focus on the protection of the most vulnerable children within our Commonwealth. I have learned that in family court, there is not always an answer that will not heal every wound. However, through cooperation, mutual respect, and a little kindness, families can survive these terrible times. I have the temperament and compassion to assist our families.