Welcome to the Fourth Annual Benefit for the Family Defense Center!

Since it was formed seven years ago, the Family Defense Center has become a preeminent champion for families in as well as throughout the United States. This year, in addition to representing clients in important cases in the Illinois and federal appellate courts and pressing for new legislation that focuses child welfare resources on children at genuine risk of harm, the Family Defense Center has increased its efforts to assist children and families with mental health concerns. Not only is the Center helping these families overcome the systemic obstacles that indiscriminately rip them apart, but it is also advocating for policies, programs, and practices that will reinforce family and community networks and enable the children and families to thrive.

We are especially pleased today to honor Karl Dennis, a forerunner and an advocate of thirty years for such an approach, as the recipient of our 2012 Family Defender Award.

In just a few short years, the Family Defense Center has grown to be a truly powerful protector of children, and a defender and friend of families throughout Illinois. With your support, the Family Defense Center can continue fulfilling this imperative role of protector, defender, and friend to children and families all throughout the state and all throughout the nation for years to come.

We are honored to co-chair today’s benefit. We hope you enjoy this year’s benefit and offer our sincere thanks for your continued support for this increasingly vital advocacy organization that protects children by defending families.

Ann Courter Norm Hirsch Joseph Monahan Cocktail Reception and Award Ceremony

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Reception Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres Silent auction including original pieces by painter and muralist Alejandro Romero Entertainment by harpist Penny Currier

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Program and Award Ceremony

Special Recognitions

Michael W. Weaver, McDermott Will & Emery Individual Attorney Recognition

George J. Barry, retired, and Kathleen A. Barry, Winston & Strawn Father-Daughter Pro Bono Service Recognition

Slide Show He’s My Son by Toni Hoy Parent Advocate Recognition

The 2012 Family Defender Award Honoring Karl Dennis

Brief Address by Karl Dennis Focus on Families and Strengths: The Linchpin to Success in the Child Welfare and Mental Health Systems

6:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Live Auction and Program Conclusion David Meyers, Auctioneer

6:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Dessert and Silent Auction

6:45 p.m. – Raffle Drawing

7:30 p.m. – Benefit Conclusion

1 W elcome to the Fourth Annual Benefit Event of the Family Defense Center! Thank you for joining us this year as we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Karl Dennis as the 2012 Family Defender, and give special recognition to four individuals (Toni Hoy, George Barry, Kathleen Barry and Michael Weaver) who have dedicated themselves to advancing justice for families through their work with the Family Defense Center this past year. Every honoree inspires me, and I know that when you meet them and hear about their many accomplishments, you’ll feel the same way. Once we decided to honor Karl Dennis, tonight’s program fell into place: Karl has the gift of making complex things simple (while I have the opposite knack for making the simple complex!). The theme of tonight’s event—Families Overcoming Challenges, Celebrating Each Other—stems from Karl’s life-long commitment to working with youth whose behavior challenges their families, their communities and the authorities. Justice for these children requires an approach that values them and recognizes their strengths, not solely their pathologies. Karl’s child-centered and family-centered work on behalf of these challenging children and their families meshes perfectly with our own motto: “to protect children, defend families.” Karl is at once the staunchest protector of children and the strongest ally of families in their efforts to help their children become healthy, happy and productive. The Family Defense Center’s work on the intersecting area of child welfare and mental health issues is also highlighted in this year’s event. Some of our most demanding, but also most rewarding, cases involve children whose behavior actually endangers themselves and their family members. I invite you to read our most recent special issue of The Family Defender to learn more about the Center’s work in this area. At the Family Defense Center, we see far too many instances in which the goal of justice for families seems like an elusive dream. At the same time, we have many success stories to celebrate and inspire us to further action. We are grateful that, in our journey towards justice for families, we have so many allies, including all our friends who have joined us in this celebration.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy tonight’s program!

Diane L. Redleaf Executive Director

2 Event Co-Chairs: Norman Hirsch, Ann Courter, and Joseph Monahan

Norman Hirsch joined Jenner & Block in 1982. He is a litigator focusing in the areas of professional responsibility and antitrust proceedings in federal and state court. Norm also has significant experience representing nuclear utilities in breach of contract cases against the U.S. government. The National Law Journal has recognized Norm as one of 11 “winning” trial lawyers nationwide who are “model(s) of the modern litigator.” He has also been recognized for multiple consecutive years by Legal 500, Leading Lawyers and Illinois Super Lawyers. Norm has Ann Courter and Norman Hirsch written and lectured extensively on professional responsibility issues. He serves on the board of the the youngest children and their families (www. Sinai Congregation. collab4kids.org).

Norm received a bachelor’s degree from the University Ann and Norm have been married for 27 years and of Chicago in 1977. He received his law degree from have three children. They are long-standing supporters Stanford Law School in 1980, where he was an editor of the Family Defense Center. of the Stanford Law Review. After law school, Norm clerked for the Hon. Fred Cassibry in the Eastern Joseph T. Monahan is founder of the Chicago District of Louisiana, and then for the Hon. Cecil law firm of Monahan Law Group, LLC, and is an Poole on the United States Court of Appeals for the adjunct professor of law at Loyola University Chicago Ninth Circuit. School of Law where he teaches Mental Health Law. He also teaches a Ann Courter is a graduate of the University of Iowa new online course, and received a law degree in 1981 from Yale Law Child Mental Health School. She also clerked for the Hon. Fred Cassibry Law, in the Masters after law school, then worked as an associate at Jenner of Jurisprudence & Block, where she met Norm. She left Jenner in program in the Child 1984 to work as a staff attorney at the Legal Assistance Law Program. The Foundation of Chicago. Ann has twice been elected Monahan Law Group, to the school board in Oak Park, and has served on LLC, represents over numerous nonprofit boards. She has worked as the 70 hospitals located budget and tax policy director for Voices for Illinois throughout the State Children, and as a policy analyst for the Illinois P-20 of Illinois, numerous Council, which coordinates education from preschool social service agencies and scores of individual clients, to the university level. She currently serves as the and provides legal services related to guardianship, Vice-Chair of the Collaboration for Early Childhood mental health, risk management, confidentiality, in Oak Park, working to leverage and integrate disability and similar issues. community resources to better meet the needs of Continued, next page 3 Before becoming an attorney, Joe received his Joe just finished a three-year term as a Board Member master’s degree in social work. He served as Executive of the National Association of Social Workers. He Director of a county licensed child welfare agency, is now serving as President of the newly formed which provided child welfare and foster care Risk Retention Group which provides malpractice services. In this capacity, he served on numerous insurance for members of NASW. He is active in the community and statewide boards helping to develop Illinois and Chicago Bar Associations and is a Board legislation and policy concerning child welfare issues. Member of the Foundation for Human Development. Following his admission to the Illinois Bar, Joe was an attorney with the Legal Advocacy Service of the Joe received his law degree from DePaul University Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, College of Law and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees with special responsibility for coordinating legal in Social Work from the University of Illinois- services to minor wards of the state in mental health Champaign. facilities and developmental centers, as well as Joe has beeen a strong supporter of the Center and has providing legal services to persons with disabilities. frequently advised the Center staff on mental health- related child welfare cases.

Honorary Co-Chairs: Carolyn Kubitschek, Christopher Sullivan, and Dorothy Roberts

Carolyn Kubitschek’s precedent-setting legal work Carolyn was a music is a major reason that there is a Family Defense major at Oberlin and Center. Her brilliant and winning legal theories in is an accomplished the 1994 case Valmonte v. Bane (challenging child pianist. After graduating abuse registries and the lack of due process in the from the University state of New York) were instrumental to our victory of Chicago Law in the Illinois class action suit Dupuy v. Samuels. School, she met her Dupuy, started in 1997, took 13 years to conclude and now-husband and law resulted in sweeping changes in the child protection partner David Lansner investigations and appeal system in Illinois. Carolyn’s when she worked at 2004 victory in the New York Court of Appeals in Mobilization for Youth Nicholson v. Scoppetta set the precedent that domestic (MFY) Legal Services. violence victims possess constitutional rights to care Carolyn and David were for their children. married in 1975 and settled in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where they raised their Carolyn argued before the Supreme Court on two sons, Jesse and Noah. They formed their own law behalf of children and family rights in a child abuse firm 15 years later, Lansner & Kubitschek. Carolyn investigation in Camreta/Alford v. Greene. Supreme was a clinical law professor at Hofstra University Court Justice Samuel Alito, during the oral argument from 1985-1990, and has been an adjunct professor in Camreta, prefaced one of his questions to her with at Cardozo Law School since 2003. She was the the observation, “You are well-versed in this area Family Defense Center’s honoree for the 2011 Family of law.” Defender Award.

4 Christopher Sullivan is a board-certified orthopedic Chris attended college at the Air Force Academy in surgeon who directs the Pediatric Orthopedics and Colorado Springs, Colorado, and attended medical Scoliosis Program at the school at UCLA while remaining on active duty. Comer Children’s While at UCLA, he also earned a Master’s Degree Hospital. He joined in public health, focusing on epidemiology. the surgery faculty at the University An outstanding teacher and clinician, Chris of Chicago in has developed an expertise in child abuse and 1989, following bone fractures through research, writing, and residencies and expert testimony in juvenile court and DCFS further training proceedings. Courts have frequently relied in internal on his testimony, finding his opinions more medicine, pediatric persuasive than the contrary testimony of other orthopedics and child abuse specialists in several Center cases. general orthopedics Chris was the Family Defense Center’s honoree in Texas, Illinois for the 2010 Family Defender Award. and California.

Dorothy Roberts is the University of Pennsylvania’s fourteenth Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor. An acclaimed scholar of race, gender and the law, she is also the George A. Weiss University Professor of Law and Sociology. Her appointment at Penn is shared between the School of Law where she is the inaugural Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Professor of Civil Rights, and the Department of Sociology in the School of Arts and Sciences.

A prolific writer and researcher, Dorothy is the author or co-author of several books and has published over 70 articles and essays in books and journals including the Harvard Law Review, the Yale Law Journal and the Stanford Law Review. Professor Roberts has done pioneering research in the areas of race, class and gender, highlighting the ways in which social policy Dorothy is a graduate of Yale University and Harvard is biased against poor, minority pregnant women and Law School. She serves as the Family Defense mothers. She is one of the nation’s foremost academic Center’s academic advisor to its Mothers’ Defense legal scholars on issues regarding the child welfare Project. Dorothy was the Family Defense Center’s system and is the award-winning author of Shattered honoree for the 2009 Family Defender Award. Bonds, The Color of Child Welfare. 5 Mistress of Ceremonies

Laura Washington has been an press secretary to Mayor Harold sector.” In addition to her award-winning columnist for the Washington (no relation), community service for the Woods Chicago Sun-Times since 2001. Chicago’s first black mayor. Fund of Chicago, she has been She is also a political analyst the board secretary for The Field for WLS-TV, the ABC-owned Laura has been quoted in Time Museum and has chaired the board station in Chicago. She is a regular and Newsweek magazines, The New of the Neighborhood Writing commentator on National Public York Times, and appeared on NBC Alliance. Radio and Chicago Public Radio Nightly News and The Lehrer and previously wrote a column for News Hour. She has received more Laura earned bachelor and master’s the Chicago Tribune. than two dozen local and national degrees in journalism from the awards for her work, including two Medill School of Journalism at In 2010, she served as President of Chicago Emmys, the Peter Lisagor , where she the Woods Fund following many Award, the Studs Terkel Award for has also taught and lectured. years of service on the board of Community Journalism and the the Fund. From 2003 to 2009, she Ohio State Award for broadcast The Center is delighted that Laura served as the Ida B. Wells-Barnett journalism. Newsweek magazine has agreed to be our Mistress University Professor at DePaul named her one of the nation’s of Ceremonies again in 2012 University. She edited The Chicago “100 People to Watch” in the 21st and especially appreciates her Reporter, a nationally recognized Century. Newsweek said: “her style willingness to make us a part of her investigative monthly specializing of investigative journalism has public service in this busy political in racial issues and urban affairs, made (the Reporter) a powerful and season. from 1990 to 2001, and also award-winning voice.” In 1999, served as its publisher from 1994 the Chicago Community Trust to 2001. From 1987 to 1990, she awarded her a Community Service was a producer for the investigative Fellowship “for exemplary service, unit at CBS-2/Chicago. In 1985, commitment and leadership in Laura was appointed deputy individuals from the nonprofit

6 Meet this Evening’s Artists

Penny Currier

Penny Currier is the very recognizable and popular of Qatar; Queen Beatrix soloist each Christmas Season at Marshall Field’s, and Prince Claus of (now Macy’s), flagship State Street store. This The Netherlands; King annual Chicago holiday tradition is enjoyed by Carl XVI Gustaf and countless store guests as she entertains daily from Queen Silvia of Sweden; Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. Penny is a former His Eminence, Francis Miss Colorado in the Miss America Pageant who Cardinal George; Mayor has enjoyed an active solo career in Chicago. After Richard M. Daley; and private study with Helen Lunn Hope of the Denver Illinois House Speaker Symphony Orchestra, she received her harp degree Michael Madigan. from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, as a student of Eileen Malone. Her extensive repertoire includes a broad range Among her numerous solo engagements, Penny has of musical styles, been called upon to perform for visiting royalty and which encompass American and world dignitaries including President popular melodies, Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton; President show tunes, standards, Richard M. Nixon; Vice President Al Gore and Mrs. classical, love songs, and much more. She is Tipper Gore; President Li Xiannian of the People’s currently the staff harpist for the afternoon Republic of China; Sheikh Hamad, Emir of the State high tea at The Drake Hotel, Chicago.

Alejandro Romero No artist captures human emotion be found in the permanent collections better than Alejandro Romero, of the Museum of Contemporary Art, whose vibrant artwork graces our the National Museum of Mexican invitation and brochure cover. Art, and the Art Institute in Chicago, Alejandro has generously donated this as well as the Museum of Modern work for use in the designs and also Latin American Art in Washington, for tonight’s auction. D.C., the National Museum of Print in Mexico City, and the Hermitage in One of the best-known Hispanic Leningrad, Russia. visual artists in the United States, Alejandro was born and educated in This year, Alejandro is not only Mexico. He moved to Chicago in donating the original artwork featured 1975 and has adorned our city with on the invitation and brochure, but murals, posters, and conventional also numerous other original works at paintings. Alejandro’s work can also the silent auction.

7 Special Individual Attorney Recognition: Michael W. Weaver, McDermott Will & Emery

Michael W. Weaver is a sixth year associate at team builder. Fortunately for two Family Defense McDermott Will & Emery LLP who is based in the Center clients, Mike eagerly took on a lead role in firm’s Chicago office. Prior to joining McDermott, he pressing important arguments in courts of review— served as a law clerk for Chief Justice F. Michael Kruse arguments that have the potential to set precedents. and for Associate Justice Lyle L. Richmond of the He was the principal author of the appellate briefs High Court of American Samoa. in Slater v. DCFS, a major appellate court decision. This decision exonerated Asia Slater, whose daughter At law school, had suffered a freak accident while Asia’s head was Mike was a turned, determining that the existence of an injury Philip H. cannot automatically result in a finding of neglect. Corboy Last year, the Center honored the full team that Fellow in Trial Mike worked with in the Slater case, including Advocacy. Elizabeth Lewis, Aron Frakes, Lisa Loesel and Todd He was the Solomon. In 2012, he successfully represented a Executive second Center client, Jeanelle H., in an administrative Editor for review action, exonerating her from a discriminatory Student Articles finding that DCFS had registered against her based for the Loyola on a misperception of a disability. Mike worked with Law Journal, Geoffrey Vance and Jonathan Huckaby on Jeanelle’s and he served behalf. as a legal intern for the Honorable Ann Claire Williams of the U.S. Mike’s work with the Center has not been limited Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit and for the United to these two major cases. In 2012, Mike became an States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of active member of our Program Committee, which Illinois. He is admitted to practice in both Illinois and reviews and makes recommendations for making our American Samoa. legal services program more effective. This summer he joined our Board of Directors. The Family Defense Center Recognizes Michael Weaver Because: For all around outstanding service to the Center and He’s exactly the sort of lawyer any Family Defense its clients, Mike deserves this year’s Special Individual Center client would love to have. Mike is an excellent Recognition Award. g writer, researcher, strategic thinker, collaborator and

8 Father-Daughter Recognition Award: George J. Barry and Kathleen B. Barry

George J. Barry is a native Chicagoan and a double graduate of Northwestern University. He received a BA in Economics from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1970 and a JD cum laude from the School of Law in 1973. After his formal education, George had a 38-year career in the tax field. He spent the first dozen years in government with the Internal Revenue Service and the Illinois Department of Revenue, and the last 26 years as a tax consultant at Arthur Andersen and then Deloitte LLP, both located in Chicago.

George retired from Deloitte in May 2011. His passion for civil liberties and a desire to give back to the community in his retirement led him to seek out the Center for volunteer opportunities that might enlist his energies and talents.

In addition to working with the FDC and on various family projects, George’s other current pursuits include regular long distance runs, reading and thinking about history, and an occasional round of golf. His family includes his wife, Jill; his daughter, Kathleen; his son-in-law, Curtis Warner; and his two grandchildren, Kathleen received her AB in Mathematics and History, Charlie and Jackie. cum laude, from Dartmouth College in 1998, and

Kathleen B. Barry is of counsel at the litigation her JD, summa cum laude, from the College of Law at department of Winston & Strawn LLP, specializing University of Illinois in 2001. In law school, she was an in general commercial and patent litigation. Her articles editor for the University of Illinois Law Review commercial litigation experience includes cases in and a member of the Order of the Coif. patents, contracts, business torts, antitrust, and class The Family Defense Center Recognizes actions. Prior to joining the firm in 2003, Kathleen George and Kathleen Barry Because: served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert Holmes It’s often said that apples don’t fall far from trees, but Bell of the U.S. District Court for the Western District when it comes to outstanding pro bono attorneys, we of Michigan. hadn’t witnessed any apples falling near their trees Kathleen has been an editor and contributor to until this year. In fact, it wasn’t until after we had Winston & Strawn’s Federal Circuit Patent Decision worked for several months with an excellent Winston Summaries and administers a mentoring program at & Strawn attorney, Kathleen Barry, on a very complex Dodge Academy, a Chicago public school, in addition juvenile court case on behalf of Nancy B. in the Kane to personally mentoring numerous Dodge students. County Court, that we met a recently-retired lawyer

9 at the Center’s October 2011 Chicago Bar Association Kathleen’s work on behalf of Nancy B. has gone above Training for pro bono attorneys. That attorney had and beyond the usual pro bono case commitment: asked unusually astute questions about administrative Kathleen has helped Nancy in staffings, service procedure, and made us eager to follow up with him planning, and personal matters that have arisen during to enlist him in pro bono projects with the Center. the case. She has advised her family members who are It took a few days before we connected the dots: we helping to care for Nancy’s son, and has represented discovered that this astute attorney, George Barry, was Nancy in a related administrative appeal—the sort Kathleen’s dad! And it wasn’t entirely a coincidence of full-service representation that Winston & Strawn that George was at the training, for Kathleen had clients might demand but few indigent clients like encouraged him to attend. Nancy are fortunate to receive. Kathleen has also assisted in a separate administrative appeal case with Within short order, Center staff enlisted George in the Center on behalf of John D. representing a client, Ashley D., in a case in which she was unfairly indicated for second-hand smoke exposure From experience working with both George and of her infant son, and in preparing objections to the Kathleen, a few common characteristics are obvious DCFS defendant’s answer in Timmel v. Griffin. Then, in both the tree and the apple: patient and careful thanks to George’s own perceptive reading of the Timmel assessment of the facts and the law, first-rate writing, complaint, he flagged and then agreed to undertake thoughtfulness and thoroughness, and a dedication a major, potentially multi-year research and advocacy to justice for families. Like father, like daughter, both project with the Center: an exploration of the ways in George and Kathleen live the Center’s mission in their which the medical profession’s canons of ethics apply to volunteer work advocating justice for families in the child abuse investigations. George also joined the Center’s child welfare system. g program committee and has used his extensive tax and finance experience to advise the Center on its revisions to its legal services sliding scale fee schedule.

Congratulations

GEORGE BARRY & KATHLEEN BARRY

On your Father-Daughter Pro Bono Service Recognition Award Protecting Children by Defending Families

10 Parent Advocate Recognition Award: Toni Hoy

As a leading advocate in the grassroots movement she received for children’s mental health and family support, the Arnold Toni Hoy has made presentations before legislators Fletcher Award and departments at the state and national level. for academic Additionally, she has given multiple radio interviews excellence. and authored articles for The Family Defender (the Center’s newsletter) and Rise Magazine. She chairs Toni and her the Children’s Advocacy Committee for the National husband of 25 Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Barrington years, Jim, live Area affiliate and authors a monthly column for its in the Chicago newsletter, In the Trench. In addition, she serves on the area. They have NAMI affiliate’s board of directors and facilitates a two biological family support group for parents and children. children, Mason and Samantha, When she is not tirelessly working as an advocate two adoptive for her own family and other families, Toni pursues children, a career as a licensed insurance agent with Hill and biological Stone Insurance Agency. In 2011, she was selected as brothers Daniel and Chip (who have been in their Safeco Insurance’s “Community Hero.” family since they were 2 and 5, respectively), and a foster son named Jesse. Toni homeschooled her After inspiring many parents and families with her children for eight years. She enjoys art, and her hobbies video, “He’s My Son,” which details the story of the include reading, sewing, and painting. Hoys’ struggle with Daniel’s mental health issues and their forced custody relinquishment, she started a blog The Family Defense Center Recognizes called Scope and Circumstance, which is dedicated Toni Hoy Because: to children whose adoptive parents are forced into She’s a dynamo! We met Toni in the very beginning of relinquishing custody for treatment. She has connected our parent empowerment program, when she came to with other parents with similar struggles, many of a meeting with another parent and was first beginning whom have joined the advocacy movement to abolish to tell her own story publicly. Next thing we knew, she custody relinquishment. was ready to publish her family’s story in The Family Defender and had connected with Nora McCarthy of In 2012, Toni published Second Time Foster Child, Rise Magazine. Then she published in other national which immediately became an Amazon bestseller. magazines, started working with advocates in Since then, she has begun to turn her own success Nebraska who were dramatizing the needs of children into another venue for advocacy by leading workshops with severe emotional and behavioral issues, and for parents including writing workshops, which the meeting with state legislators and decision-makers Family Defense Center hopes to offer this fall with in Illinois. She has been an instigator behind task Toni’s help. forces to bring attention to the needs of children with Toni earned her BA degree in Communications from serious emotional and behavioral issues and she has Thomas Edison State College, New Jersey, where assisted dozens of family members who call the Center 11 looking for help. Along the way, she has become Toni will lead the Center kick-off for a writing extremely knowledgeable about policies and practices program for family members who want to learn how to affecting children and families in the mental health tell their own stories in a compelling way. and child welfare systems, and she willingly shares her knowledge with other parents and governmental Among the parents Toni has helped is Bernadine officials in order to press for a better system that L., the mother of a “third time foster child” protects children and families. and the Center’s client in the Illinois Appellate Court’s challenge to the barbaric forced custody Toni is never too busy (despite being just about the relinquishment policies that Toni has so eloquently busiest and most productive person we know) to help described in “He’s My Son.” with a Center program or provide emotional support for a Center parent struggling with the hardest of A natural advocate, Toni deserves special recognition situations with their own child. In 2012, she led our for her perseverance, her articulate advocacy for the Parent Empowerment Program’s special sessions on the importance of family to children with mental health emotional impact of investigations and was a leader in challenges and her volunteer work as a one-person our planning committee for National Reunification support system for hundreds of parents in Illinois and g Day, where she led a workshop on telling one’s story. across the United States.

An Update to Daniel’s Story in “He’s My Son”

On November 5th, 2010, Collins Law of Naperville, The suit that the Hoys initiated was the first of Illinois filed a federal lawsuit on the Hoys’ behalf to several suits seeking to enforce EPSDT requirements force the state of Illinois to abide by the Early Periodic in Illinois. Following the settlement of their suit Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) and others that followed, a multi-agency children’s program, a provision of the federal Medicaid law that behavioral task force, under the special leadership of would require the state to cover Daniel’s treatment. DHFS Director Julie Hamos, is proposing a major The lawsuit was settled, and on June 20, 2011, the overhaul of the service delivery system for children Hoys filed a petition in Juvenile Court. On July 14, with severe behavioral and emotional needs. The Jim and Toni Hoy regained custody of their son, forced custody relinquishment problem, however, Daniel. Although they have faced a painful ordeal continues to cause unnecessary trauma to Illinois and many, many setbacks, the Hoys are now working families and families in many other states. together towards Daniel’s emotional stability and their own emotional healing.

12 Glossary for “He’s My Son”

Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA): Reflecting the concerns of state social service agencies, this federal law’s main goal was to increase adoption rates and reduce the amount of time hundreds of thousands of children spent in foster homes; it created financial incentives, expanded family preservation and support services, and increased health care coverage; it also instituted severe time frames on parental rehabilitation deemed necessary to avoid termination of parental rights.

EPSDT: The Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment program is a provision of federal Medicaid law mandating early screening for children and the administration of preventative healthcare before problems become extensive.

No-fault dependency: A case in which the child is homeless or without proper care through no fault of the parent, guardian, or custodian, often due to a psychological condition of the child.

Permanency: A major goal of ASFA, where the child leaves foster care to live with legal, permanent families, primarily by either returning home or through adoption.

Residential Treatment Center: A live-in health care facility that provides therapy for substance abuse, mental illnesses, or other behavioral problems. Several Center clients have sought such care for their children given the lack of sufficiently intensive in-home services (or, sadly in many cases, the lack of any such care). Many highly renowned mental health specialists, including our honoree, are sharp critics of the use of residential treatment in place of in-home services or more family-like settings for children.

Illinois Individual Care Grant (ICG): A grant assisting parents or private guardians with paying some costs for residential treatment or specialized community-based supports for severely emotionally disturbed children. In recent years, only a tiny fraction of eligible children (less than 5%) have received ICG’s, setting the stage for the practice of forced custody relinquishment that “He’s My Son” decries.

13 2012 Family Defender Award • Karl Dennis: A Most Exceptional Human Being

By Diane L. Redleaf Karl Dennis lives the mantra that is the title of and use a collaborative community approach that his 2006 book: everything is NORMAL until incorporates their needs and strengths, then we proven otherwise (written with his close friend and have a much better chance of being successful. collaborator, child psychiatrist Dr. Ira Lourie). He naturally embodies a very commonsensical approach One of his favorite former youth was once labeled to the most uncommon of children and family issues, the “most difficult child in Illinois.” She now problems and crises. has a successful career and passes on her own Refusing to rely upon learning, thanks to Karl, to her peers. And she’s preconceived “norms” just one of hundreds of the most-difficult-to-place as a condition of children with whom Karl has worked, either at care, Karl accepts Kaleidoscope, Inc. or as a consultant. In these each child and family efforts, he has been joined by Olivia DelGiudice, as unique and on associate director at Kaleidoscope, Inc., and a team their own terms. But of dedicated staff. Since its inception, Kaleidoscope Karl’s humanistic has been dedicated to caring for children and and strength- families with complex needs, working with them based treatment of in their own community, in their family settings, children and families and often in their own homes. Because these Karl Dennis turns out to be a children and their families have, by now, passed most uncommon along Karl’s teaching to thousands of others, it is approach in the topsy-turvy world of child fair to say that there is hardly one person in the welfare and mental health services. Historically, children’s mental health system or child welfare these systems too often turn regular social and system that hasn’t been touched in some way by domestic problems that many families face into Karl’s work. Karl also has left his mark by creating misunderstandings, traumas and tragedies. Too a holistic model for child welfare and mental often service providers try to fix symptoms instead health services, one very different than what he of underlying causes. So by embodying calm, found when he got his start in the early 1970s. wisdom and respect, and by accepting every person Karl intervenes with children and families with as unique and as a member of a family, culture a skilled and individualized approach, even and community, Karl Dennis turns seemingly when the target of his intervention is on a violent impossible situations into opportunities for growth rampage. He listens. He encourages. He makes and change, ultimately helping families to flourish. a gentle suggestion or asks a strategic question Karl has given immeasurable hope to children at exactly the right moment. Mostly though, he and families written off as hopeless by others. He lets the child and family guide him in ways that treats children and families others have labeled most child welfare professionals would never as pathological and beyond redemption with the allow, because the dangers of losing control of theory that, if we look at individual strengths the situation are perceived as being too great. and interests, listen to the wisdom of the family, 14 And that’s the point: Karl works with families in a way that empowers, not controls or manages them. He takes risks—big risks—in supporting children and families who are seen by many in our society (including the professionals in the systems that are supposed to support them) as dangerous, dysfunctional and undeserving.

When I started to work on this biography, I met with Karl and his wife, Kathy, in their beautiful, personally-designed home in Tryon Farm, Indiana. Kathy was the one who stressed the “big risks” Karl was willing to take in the interests of serving children in their homes and in the community, rather than in the out-of-state institutions where The lovely home of Karl and Kathy Dennis, Tryon Farm, Indiana many of these children had been sent. Karl talks about the statistics that stems from diverse roots. Karl’s great-grandfather point out that more children are hurt or molested was Irish. More dominant in Karl’s genetic makeup, in “out of home” placements than in community- his psyche and his very surroundings is his Native based care. Karl chuckled as Kathy made this American heritage, which comes from both his point. Under his breath, Karl mentioned having his great-grandmother, Molly, who was Africian office almost burned down by a fire-setting youth. American and Cherokee (and married to Karl’s Irish Having his office burned down is just one example great-grandfather) and his great-great-grandfather of what Karl and Kathy mean by “running risks.” who was Blackfoot and African. Karl has embraced Not many child welfare agency executive directors these roots and is on his way to becoming a pipe- would be as unflappable about experiences with carrier with the Lakota Sioux. He has trained arson as part of the stock-in-trade as is Karl. For at dozens of Native American conferences on her part, Kathy Dennis is quite unflappable too. issues related to children and family. Karl rarely Everything is normal about Karl Dennis, except misses the Pow Wow held annually in Chicago. that Karl Dennis is completely and singularly Karl’s African American identification didn’t exceptional and magnificently so. This is proven. require as much affirmative cultivation: Karl grew All that remains is to explore how he got to be up on the South Side of Chicago, attending Carter that way, and to appreciate the man that he is. Elementary and DuSable High School. His memories * * * of elementary school are not all positive: he was Karl Dennis was born on August 25, 1936, the bullied there, and he became quiet, shy, and fearful. This early experience of being shunned and being eldest son of Nadine and Karl Lucius Dennis. He 15 treated as “different” taught him empathy. It was their potential, and formative in helping him to reach children who are he had successful in emotional pain, and who cope in all sorts of ways interventions that that are often seen as dysfunctional, not understood were noticed by by their families, their teachers, and others around his superiors. them. The experience of those early years also inspired Karl, starting in high school, to choose In 1975, Karl came helping children and families as his life’s work. to work as Executive Director of the child Karl showed signs of a talent for basketball by the welfare agency, time he was in high school. This talent, incidentally, Kaleidoscope/ runs in his family. Several relatives, including his Chicago. The work father, uncle and godfather, were members of the was hard and the Harlem Globetrotters. Karl was a starting member challenges were of the famous 1954 DuSable High School team, great. Kaleidoscope one of only two high school teams to ever be was innovative and it was willing to take chances inducted into the National Basketball Hall of Fame. that other child welfare agencies weren’t quite ready Like Barack Obama—another leader with strong for. This was a perfect place for Karl’s approach roots in the South Side of Chicago—Karl’s skill and sensibilities. In the early years of his work at on the basketball court was among the formative Kaleidoscope, some of the cornerstone principles experiences that offered exposure to all sorts of the agency adopted were just beginning to be tried opportunities. Indeed, basketball gave him his and tested: no eject/no decline, unconditional first real exposure to working with youth who had care, strengths-based care, and the big one that has emotional challenges and taught him that losing both defined Karl’s life and that Karl has helped is sometimes more important than winning. to define ever since: Wraparound Services.

Karl went to college at Northern Illinois University. What is Wraparound? It is a system and approach to The Ivory Tower was never Karl’s natural home; children’s care and services and work with families he cannot remember exactly which subject was that Karl has practiced and taught all over the his major. “Some kind of sociology or something world, and in all 50 states. It is perhaps better to like that,” he recalls. He did not pursue graduate first define what Wraparound isn’t than what exactly study, despite all sorts of pressures in the child it is: it isn’t a standard prescribed set of services for welfare establishment to get degrees and letters children and families with emotional/behavioral and the like to prove one knows something of challenges. “Wraparound” is a term first coined by value. Karl has lectured all over the world and at Karl’s friend and colleague Dr. Lenore Behar. It is a dozens of prestigious universities, from Harvard paradigm shift that first emphasizes individualized to Hong Kong. Karl did not need degrees to prove care using community resources where strengths are he knew what he was doing. It was obvious. realized while the constraints of standard theory and practice in childcare are challenged, and secondly, Karl’s first job in and out of college was in youth removes antiquated labels, such as “dysfunctional” work in the education field. He was part of the that hinders us from treating children and families Title III program, working with drop outs and in a holistic manner. It is a process which “wraps” delinquents. He stuck with them, he believed in 16 people and services around the child and family. It’s acre pond that is frequented by many herons, individualized. It’s a team-based process where the migrating ducks and birds, grazing deer and an team members are primarily the people responsible occasional coyote. Kathy’s love of gardening is for caring for the children: representatives from evident with beds of native plants that seamlessly all involved, including social service agencies, blend into Tryon’s environmental landscape. education, juvenile justice, healthcare providers. But, more importantly, it includes family members Gardening outside of their home is their hobby, and others who are instrumental in the lives of this but the inside displays the work its owners have child and family. These people are the main drivers done throughout their lives and reflects their of the service design in the Wraparound system. values: Karl’s and Kathy’s art embodies diversity, sustainability, patience and attention to value and The list of base elements of Wraparound services meaning in things big and small. Native American include: inter-agency collaboration, family driven, art predominates, as Karl is an obvious connoisseur unconditional care, community-based, strength- of the genre, but there is plenty of art from New based, individualized, culturally competent, meets Zealand and Alaska, places where Karl extensively the needs of family and child, is cost effective, and trained and consulted on system reform. outcome driven. It’s understandable that Wraparound is both effective and empowering for families who This is no sterile collection of visually appealing have the opportunity to utilize this approach. items: Karl has a detailed story of the journey to his home for every piece. I realized that each These principles were tested and tried in the mid- item was truly a memento: a gift received in 1970s and early 1980s as Illinois began to bring all recognition of his hard work, the result of a of the out-of-state institutionally placed children back home—home to Kaleidoscope, which took on a leadership role in integrating these children back into families. It wasn’t easy work – it was the hardest work possible. It was part of the risk that youth workers as bold as Karl Dennis and Kaleidoscope staff were willing to run, in the name of saving lives and rebuilding families.

Karl assumed the Executive Director position for what was then Kaleidoscope/Illinois in 1979. He put it on the map in the child welfare and mental health professions, nationally and internationally. Karl dramatically increased the budget for the agency and began to lecture and train all over the world.

*** Kathy and Karl’s earth-bermed home is situated at Tryon Farm, a 170-acre environmental community nestled in the dune and swale of Northwest Indiana. The house lies in front of a large two- 17 passing friendship he struck up with an artist, or hour-a-day duration as he did for many years. Now a purchase at a fraction of its price because Karl he and Kathy travel for vacation, which they enjoy happened to meet the seller who was so charmed more than ever. By “nothing,” he also means he by him that they insisted he should have it. The can spend time watching the neighborly blue heron uniqueness of their home has been featured in he has gotten to know, play with his dog Bailey, several magazines and in a recent TV show. and enjoy their gorgeous home. “Nothing” means attending Pow Wows and visiting the many friends Karl gushed about a piece by Ace Powell (a well- he has made along his path of helping children and known Native American painter), which he received families who needed all the help they could get. as an unexpected gift for doing training for a * * * “A prophet is without honor in his own land.” When I first heard this saying (which comes from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament), I thought immediately of Karl Dennis. I had been talking about Karl to my friend Ira Burnim, legal director of the Bazelon Center on Mental Health Law, during a conference we were attending for foster care system litigators. Ira had been lead counsel in an Alabama class action case called R.C. v. Hornsby, which challenged the removal of children with mental health needs from their families and their subsequent placement into foster care. I had been class counsel in Norman v. McDonald and Hill v. Erickson, along with my friend and comrade-in-arms Rene Haybach, suing the State of Illinois to develop services aimed Karl’s travels have taken him to Bali, in addition to other far-away places. at keeping families together through targeted services like housing supports and specialized parent organization in Montana. The organization programs for teen mothers. I had already met Karl had no money to pay him, and so gave him the during those years of extensive federal litigation artwork instead. As he weaves the story of each (the late 1980s into the early 1990s) to enforce the piece, it is impossible to miss Karl’s generosity “reasonable efforts” requirement. I respected him and recognize that he is not just a giver of gifts, as a progressive child welfare agency director. But but is gracious in how he receives them too. despite knowing Karl and liking what I knew, I had no idea of his national and international reputation. Nowadays, one can ask Karl what he is doing and he smiles and says, “Nothing.” That’s a big exaggeration. Ira set me straight. He told me “Karl is a nationally By “nothing,” he really means “much less on-the- and internationally renowned mental health expert. road work than I used to do.” He means he only He is a very important person in the mental health goes to a half-dozen conferences a year, and no world.” This was news to me. I soon did learn that longer travels for weeks at a time to give keynotes Karl had been invited to meetings at the White and training programs of a five-day-a-week-seven- House; the scope of his consulting all over the world

18 was something I came to know more about as I sons by a previous marriage and Kathy has one eventually became Kaleidoscope’s lawyer for a time daughter. Their children are Karla, who has lived when I was in private law practice (from 1996-2005). and worked in Kenya; Duane, who lives in Chicago Karl keynoted a conference or two that I attended in with his wife, Rhonda; Tony, who lives in Dallas; Chicago, and he was a consultant—one of a handful and Marne, who lives in Bloomington, Indiana. —who openly conferred with the plaintiffs’ lawyers All four are blended into their one family. All who were suing DCFS for civil rights violations. Karl together, they now have several grandchildren, too. was never one to shy away from speaking his mind and from telling the truth to the powers-that-be at Kaleidoscope’s remarkable growth and its national DCFS, come what may. I had always appreciated recognition as an award-winning agency (one of a Karl for what I knew him to be. I just didn’t know tiny handful singled out by the Casey Foundation for the depth and range of Karl’s contributions to the an excellence award) is due to Karl’s humanity and world. Ira knew it better than I did, even though his visionary, even prophetic leadership of a dedicated Karl worked in my own back yard and for a time and talented staff. But it was also supported by Karl’s agency, Kaleidoscope, was my own client. Kathy’s savvy, her practical down-to-earth style and her advocacy skills. Together, they are a formidable Prophetic though Karl may be, the point that he combination. Now, while Karl is busy doing what is insufficiently appreciated in Chicago, and not he calls “nothing,” Kathy continues to sit on several just by me, was reinforced when I called Karl to boards. (I’m pretty sure, but can’t prove, that Karl tell him we were giving him the Family Defender might still be on a board or two.) Kathy is also a Award this year. Karl told me this would be goldmine of knowledge and great development ideas, historic, because, while Karl has received awards which she generously shared and I soaked up like a from all over the world, he has yet to be awarded sponge. (Thank you also, Kathy, for suggesting the any major honor in his hometown of Chicago. I “Mystery Dinner” idea for our Live Auction tonight.) was surprised. I told him it was “long overdue.” As noted, Kathy and Karl are the parents of * * * four children and have several grandchildren. In Kathy Dennis and Karl Dennis are quite a reality, given their lifetime of work with children remarkable pair: it isn’t often that one meets a couple and families, they have hundreds of children, whose strengths so complement each other and who grandchildren, and family all over the world. work together so closely. When I asked Kathy how she and Karl met, she laughed and said, “He hired * * * me to be the Kaleidoscope Development Director.” After I left Tryon Farm at the end of July, I felt “Who did it before?” I asked her. “No one,” answered inspired and I felt ennobled. I felt determined Karl. Meaning, of course, that he did most of the to do better for our clients, our staff, and our fundraising for Kaleidoscope himself and/or with community. I felt an aura of the spirit of Karl the help of his hardworking Associate Director Dennis that I resolved would not leave me during Olivia DelGiudice, with whom I also worked the next inevitable conflict I would have with a closely in the years I represented Kaleidoscope. DCFS investigator: if Karl can stay calm, then maybe I can too. Of course, Karl was the first to tell Karl and Kathy have been married for 18 years. me that I didn’t have to emulate his style. Passion Karl has one biological daughter and two adopted and argument are expected—even required—

19 of a lawyer. As always, Karl helps others, even that Wrapaound services are not readily available to lawyers, feel uniquely normal. Because everybody Bernadine L. and other clients whose families most is uniquely normal in Karl’s view and should be need them now. I felt a sadness that the concept of accepted, never slapped with a negative label. “in the best interests of the child” has been used so often against parents, instead of in partnership with At the same time, as I left Karl and Kathy’s home, them. I want the child welfare world to be filled with I felt a sadness over the fact that Karl’s approach Karl Dennises. I want Karl’s approach to be normal to child and family issues, his approach to child and usual. Instead, I’m afraid, Karl is far too unique. welfare, are far too rare—rare like Karl himself. I felt a sadness that we are still fighting to this day for Karl deserves to be recognized for the exceptional the concept of “reasonable efforts” to keep families person he is, and the exceptional difference he together, for the rights to tailored, individualized has made in our world. Thank you Karl! We services for families, and for the notion that children are honored to name you the Family Defense and their families belong together. I felt sadness Center’s Family Defender for 2012. g

Congratulations on Your Retirement from From The Dennis Clan A Wonderfully Successful Life Dedicated to Helping Children With heartfelt pride and appreciation for your amazing work and dedication to youth and Their Families and families less fortunate than us. We congratulate our inspiration, Karl W. Dennis husband, father, grandfather and brother, on receiving The 2012 Family Defender Award. May You Continue to How lucky we are to learn from you everyday Receive Joy from how to love and care for others! Your Family, Your Friends, New

Kathy, Karla & Khalfani, & Brian Dennis Adventures, and Your Memories Marne Potter Duane & Rhonda, Aryn & Austin Lyke With Best Wishes, De Andre Collins Lenore Behar, PhD Child & Family Program Strategies

Karl Dennis’s perspective and approach to child welfare is the right paradigm and it has influenced me, my students, and our clients immensely.

Professor Annette R. Appell Washington University Law School

20

Karl Dennis – truly a legend in his own time. Most of all, Karl Dennis an extraordinarily caring man who through his dedication and profound wisdom has changed the lives Congratulations on a much deserved of children, young people, and families – in Chicago, honor! You made a difference in the across the country, and around the world. Gentle, lives of so many children and families and then used that talent to impact strong, wise, hopeful, an unconditional friend. national policy. On a personal level, Sybil K. Goldman, Georgetown University you have always been a warm and dear friend and special mentor.

Best always, Karl Dennis is an internationally revered advocate for children’s rights, and Judy Katz-Leavy a classic (and classy) Chicago treasure. Former Senior Policy Advisor for Children His intellectual achievements, rooted in Center for Mental Health Services, community, family and individualized child SAMHSA practice, are replicated across the globe. Congratulations Karl. We adore you.

-Bernardine Dohrn and Bill Ayers-

eorgia Parent Support Network, Inc. was a fledgling grass-roots organization G about 20 years ago. At our first quarter board meeting of 1992, we were at the point of closing for lack of vision, funding and support. We had been offered a contract to provide emergency respite for youth with severe emotional disturbances, however the Board of Directors was split on their decision about whether we should close or add services providers to our mission and vision. We were at the time a “pure” advocacy organization. The board was unable to reach a decision so I suggested we call Karl Dennis whom I had heard speak several times and whom, although I did not personally know him, I respected immensely. Karl gave us excellent advice that continues today to influence our every decision. He said, “there are many ways to advocate for children; this will be no conflict of interest and will increase Georgia Parent Support Network’s ability to make a difference for children.” So GPSN did not close but for the last 20 years has served as an advocacy voice as well as providing family-driven, youth-guided services to thousands of children. Karl and Kathy are good friends and they continue to provide guidance and support to GPSN. Sue Smith Georgia Parent Support Network, Inc. 21 Friends, Family, and Colleagues Congratulate Karl Dennis and The Family Defense Center Zach Bravos Thomas Grippando Barbara Flynn Currie Bonita Guerra Robert Daniels, PhD Dr. Paula Hardin E. G. and Daniel Johns Michael Enbar Cathy Korus Timothy Filliman Alex and Carol and Elizabeth Lippitt Thank you to Diane Redleaf and Karl Dennis Morris Fred Ira and Carrol Lourie and all of those who have worked with them Bob and Roselyn Murphy to keep children and their families safe and Cathy Friedman together. You have truly led the way. Carolyn Shapiro Hon. Louis Gans -Peggy Slater Beth A. Stroul Sharran Greenberg Jack Tovin

What a delight it was to hear Karl Dennis when he came to Omaha in 2009. His words, scattered as droplets of wisdom, inspired a community of families, all of whom were struggling in their own nightmarish worlds with either mental or behavioral health issues, to unite as one strong voice—Alphabet Soup Kids (ASK) —to provide not only a peer-interactive family-support group for caregivers, but to influence, in a positive manner, changes in the legislation of the state of Nebraska that encourage wraparound services, as much as possible, with the goal of strengthening and keeping families together. –Signed by the families of Alphabet Soup Kids¸ Omaha, NE

22 Children’s Law Group salutes Karl Dennis and the attorneys, staff, volunteers and board of the Family Defense Center for their dedication to children and families.

23 In honor of the Family Defense Center, Diane Redleaf, Carolyn Kubitschek, and Karl Dennis or over three decades, Karl Dennis has LAW OFFICES Fbrought his vision and humanity to ROBERT E. LEHRER his work, whether working with individual 36 SOUTH WABASH AVENUE, SUITE 1310 children and families, or influencing the way CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603 systems respond to those at greatest risk. (312) 332-2121 (VOICE) His insight into people, his commitment to (312) 422-0708 (FAX) dignity, respect and justice, and his faith in [email protected] the resilience of families and communities has www.rlehrerlaw.com inspired, and challenged all of us. He brings passion, humor and humanity to all he does, and instills in those with whom he works a desire to make a difference in the lives of those We salute Karl Dennis for who often are the most forgotten. his leadership in the child Congratulations to Karl on his well-deserved welfare community. recognition by the Family Defense Center from the faculty of Loyola University Chicago Mauk & O’Connor, LLP School of Law’s Civitas ChildLaw Center. Special Education Advocates

Congratulations and Thank You to Karl Dennis For all the work you have done for families. And Thank You to Diane Redleaf, Melissa Staas, and Family Defense Center. You have accomplished so much already, And where you lead, others will follow.

Carolyn Kubitschek and David Lansner Lansner & Kubitschek New York, New York 24 25 26

To the Family Defense Center

Our family would like to thank the Family Defense Center for all their work and continued support of our family. Your work on behalf of our family and many others in Illinois is invaluable. The Family Defense Center continues to fight for due process and parental rights. The Family Defense Center is the guiding light when DCFS unfairly treats families. Again, thank you for all your support and truly invaluable work.

Bryan & Qing Tabiadon

27 28 Ellen R. Domph is honored to support the

Fourth Annual Benefit

of the

Family Defense Center

Having worked alongside the Family Defense Center, I am inspired by their selfless dedication, wealth of knowledge, and advocacy for the rights of children and families. Their work gives voice to the voiceless, often against insurmountable odds, while advancing and protecting the interests of those treated unjustly by the child welfare system.

Ellen R. Domph Attorney at Law 53 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1544 Chicago, Illinois 60604

312-922-2525 [email protected]

29 30 Keep up the fine work!

EDELMAN, COMBS, LATTURNER & GOODWIN, LLC

120 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1800 Chicago, Illinois 60603

(312) 739-4200 (312) 419-0379 (FAX)

31 Jenner and Block Attorneys and Others Congratulate the Family Defense Center and Karl Dennis, 2012 Family Defender Debbie Berman Barry Levenstam Gregory Boyle Craig C. Martin Michael T. Brody Gail Morse Jerry Burgdoerfer Joel Pelz Elizabeth Coleman Eric and Denise Sacks Jeffrey Colman David Sanders Jim Feldman Gabrielle Sigel David Greenwald Chuck Sklarsky William Heinz Barbara Steiner Norman Hirsch Howard Suskin Russ Hoover Terrence Truax 32 The Family Defense Center Offers 2012 Family Defender Event Sponsors

Heartfelt Appreciation to the Following Hero ($10,000 and up) Organizations for Major Annual Support Jenner & Block

Defenders ($5,000 and up) Joseph T. Monahan Dr. Eugene and Geraldine Pergament*

Advocates ($2,500 - $4,999) Dr. William and Donna Barrows Butler Rubin Saltarelli & Boyd LLP Ellen Domph McDermott Will & Emery Vera Pless* Paul and Rhoda Redleaf Sidley Austin LLP Winston & Strawn LLP

Sustainers ($1,000 - $2,499) Michael and Karen Armstrong* Sheldon Baskin Julie Bauer and Paul Greenberg Brigitte Schmidt Bell Norman Bobins Mary Kelly Broderick Michael T. Brody and Libby Ester Mary Case Cathy Combs and Jim Latturner* Ann Courter and Norman Hirsch Roger Dreher Daniel Edelman* Kirkland & Ellis LLP David Lansner and Carolyn Kubitschek Latham & Watkins LLP Elizabeth Lewis Meg and David McDonald McGuireWoods LLP *Matching donors for Funded Need 33 Diane Redleaf* Lourdes Ceballos Prof. Dorothy Roberts Chicago Architecture Foundation Weidner & McAuliffe, Ltd. Chicago Chamber Musicians Friends ($500 - $999) Chicago Philharmonic Society Prof. Annette Appell Chicago Sinfonietta Prof. Douglas Baird Court Theatre George J. Barry Ann Courter and Norman Hirsch Terry Cross Kathy and Karl Dennis Ian Elfenbaum Destination Fitness Forest Printing Roger Dreher Colleen Garlington Mary Dye Robert Lehrer Elissa Efroymson Jonni Miklos Jonathon Fazzola Miller Shakman & Beem Franklin Food & Liquor Michael A. O’Connor and Sara E. Mauk Ryan Garton Deborah Pergament Film Center Ropes & Gray LLP Diana Hansen Peggy Slater Jill Hazelbauer Von Der Ohe SNR Denton Seana Higgins Helene Snyder Hill & Stone Insurance Company Bryan and Qing Tabiadon Emily Ho *Matching donors for Funded Need Hotel Allegro, A Kimpton Hotel Toni Hoy Auction Donors Jan Hulstedt Anonymous Mystery Dinner Donor ItssoUnique Arts ‘n Spirits Jayson Home & Garden Roger Beck Carolyn Kubitschek and David Lansner Todd Belcore Charles and Alice Kurland Mary Bird Lettuce Entertain You Representative Daniel Biss Anatoly Libgober Patricia Jones Blessman Macy’s FRESH and Laura Mercier Spa Block Cinema Courtney Mahoney Boka Restaurant Group TiShaunda and Michael McPherson Elizabeth Butler and Dean Resnekov Jonni Miklos and Ermit Finch Mary Case 34 Joseph Monahan Music of the Baroque Barbara Bazron NAMI Barrington Area Jeanne Beckman Christine M. Naper Dr. Lenore Behar Brian Northup Brigitte Schmitt Bell Michael A. O’Connor Mary Kelly Broderick Michelle Palluch Ira Burnim Ofra Peled Lourdes Ceballos Deborah Pergament Kyriaki Council Petterino’s Terry Cross PRP Wines International Olivia DelGiudice Diane Redleaf Kathy Dennis Rhoda Redleaf Patti Derr Alejandro Romero Sharon Falen Rosebud Restaurants Dr. Barbara Friesen Sandra Ross Salon Lorena Galvez Shaw’s Crab House Alexandra Gilewicz Helene Snyder Sybil Goldman Statehouse Inn Toni Hoy George Stone Kathryn Huber Shawn Taylor, Treetop Consulting Judy Katz-Leavy Terry’s Toffee David J. Lansner Theo’s Jewelers Elizabeth Lewis Toni’s Patisserie Dr. Ira Lourie Tru Restaurant Kathy Mandell Trunk Club Lynn Ludaway Urban Oasis Meg McDonald Joanna Wade Brenna McLean Wines for Humanity Christine M. Naper Dee Ann Ryan The Family Defense Center wishes to thank the following volunteers, benefit host committee Steve Scott members, and in-kind supporters, without whose Sue Smith help this event would not have been possible: Matthew Streit Prof. Douglas Baird Taryn Strohmeyer Dr. William and Donna Barrows Laura and Brian Timmel Julie A. Bauer Sarah Troutman 35 Jennifer Uptmor Elizabeth Lewis Joanna Wade Meg McDonald Brooke Whitted Christine M. Naper Edward Otto Family Defense Center Board of Directors Deborah Pergament Michael O’Connor, President Eugene Pergament Louis Fogel, Treasurer Vera Pless TiShaunda McPherson, Secretary Andrew and Lynne Redleaf Patricia Jones Blessman Paul and Rhoda Redleaf Michael T. Brody Prof. Dorothy Roberts Stephanie Crockett-McLean Adele Saaf Scott Kramer Deborah Spector Jonni Miklos Prof. Michael Wald Helene M. Snyder Elizabeth Warner Michael W. Weaver Prof. Anita Weinberg Champion Board Family Defense Center Staff (Fall 2012) Prof. Annette Appell Diane L. Redleaf, Executive Director Brigitte Schmidt Bell Melissa L. Staas, Staff Attorney Prof. Susan Brooks Jonathon N. Fazzola, Staff Attorney Adam Caldwell Diana Hansen, Administrator Salvador Cicero Emily Ho, Development Associate Joan Colen (full-time staff) David J. Lansner Christina Koliopoulos, Intake Attorney Lawrence Lansner Mitchell Weiss, Volunteer Attorney Elizabeth Larsen Amanda Walsh, Law Clerk James Latturner Nissa Mai, Development Intern Joy Leibman (part-time staff )

About The Family Defense Center Winner of the first “Excellent Emerging Organization” award from the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management.

The mission of the Family Defense Center is to advocate for justice for families in the child welfare system. Founded in 2005, it is a groundbreaking legal representation and advocacy organization. Its primary focus is preventing irreparable harm to families through the wrongful separation of children from their parents. 36 How beautiful is youth! How bright it gleams With its illusions, aspirations, dreams!

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Jenner & Block salutes the Family Defense Center and the work you do to protect children and defend families Congratulations to 2012 Family Defender Honoree Karl Dennis

Chicago | Los Angeles | New York | Washington, DC 353 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60654-3456 Jenner & Block LLP jenner.com Save the Date!

We plan to hold our Fifth Annual Benefit

Sunday, September 22, 2013

70 E. Lake Street, Suite 1100 Chicago, IL 60601 312-251-9800 www.familydefensecenter.org

Winner of the First Excellent Emerging Organization Award from The Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management

Michael A. O’Connor Board President