That’s why we’re so grateful to welcome Judge Charles Griffin on the podcast for an important conversation. He serves as the Associate Judge of the Gulf Coast Children’s Court under the Office of Court Administration and is a board-certified attorney in child welfare law. Charles has spent over six years presiding over cases that directly impact children and families in the foster care system. He’s here to give us some perspective on the factors that judges take into account as they strive to secure the best possible outcome for each case.
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Key Takeaways
- Court should be taken seriously—but that doesn’t mean it has to feel intimidating. It’s true that court is a place where important matters are addressed and respect for everyone involved is essential. At times, though, that formality can be mistaken for something to fear. Our hope is that this episode helps reframe that perspective. The court isn’t designed to be a scary place, it’s designed to serve and support people. Judges understand that the environment can feel overwhelming, and many work intentionally to make it more approachable. For example, when children are involved in the child welfare system, judges often take a more informal, trauma-informed approach—creating a space where young people feel safe enough to speak and be heard.
- Judges have limits. While they might wish they could, judges can’t fix everything. They are still bound by the letter of the law and have limits to what they can order. For instance, they don’t assign caseworkers, so they have no control over who is assigned to your case. They will do everything in their power to improve a situation, but understand that some things are outside of their control. When we approach the child welfare system with empathy for everyone involved, we gain a clearer understanding of the many moving pieces at play.
- The first step to make a difference is showing up. We often share the importance of finding your place along The River. However, if you haven’t identified a specific area you are called to yet, showing up is always a great first step. There are so many local partners and nonprofit organizations with whom you can volunteer your time and resources, even if it’s just for a day. Don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out right now; you can start by showing up with a genuine care for children and families in your community.
Resources
- Thanks for listening! Use code “TBRIpodcast” to get $5 off when you sign up for an Introduction to TBRI session. If you work personally or professionally with children who have experienced adversity, learn more about TBRI on our Trauma Training page.
- Pearls & Eagles Support System
- The Hay Center
- CASA Volunteer
- Safe Kids Greater Houston
- Houston PEARLS (feat. Judge Susan Brown & Judge Dena Fisher)
Meet the Guest
Judge Charles Griffin serves as the Associate Judge of the Gulf Coast Children’s Court under the Office of Court Administration. A board-certified attorney in child welfare law, he has been licensed since 1997 and has spent over six years presiding over cases that directly impact children and families in the foster care system. Judge Griffin brings both extensive legal experience and a compassionate lens to one of the most complex areas of the child welfare system.