As a former DCS attorney, I have a pretty strong opinion about child abuse.       A lot of people do not realize that neglect is considered to be child abuse in TN; if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense that neglect is abuse, for those people who should know better.     I am not talking having a sloppy house--for neglect it needs to be much more serious that that--failure to thrive situations, extremely filthy house, no food in house, no heat in winter, not taking the child to school--education neflect--lots of stuff.

There need to be more resources in town to help people who need it.    Drug abuse, both illegal and prescription is a HUGE problem in Chattanooga.      And the criminal justice system is still not fully set up to deal with drug abuse and helping people.

I represent some parents, and lots of grandparents.     It is very sad, that due to drug abuse, so many grandparents are put in the position of having to step forward and taking temporary custody of children.      The parents should be thankful, but they are almost always angry and resentful.      

I always say, I am cool with you being a drug addict, if that is how you choose to live; but if you choose to be an addict, I do not believe you should have custody of your children.   Sorry.  It is one or the other.   Children have to be in a safe and stable environment.

Save the date for the TLAW (Tennessee Lawyer's Association for Women) Empowerment Conference in Nashville, on March 30 and 31, 2017.    The conference itself is on March 31 from around 8:30 until 4:30 or so and there is a reception March 30 in the afternoon.   Exact dates and times to follow.

I went to this event last year with a couple of other female attorneys and it was a good event.    CLE are provided also. and they always try to get dual credits.

It is important for all humans to take time to retreat.    To spend time in some solitude and get quiet with themselves.   Maybe for you retreat is fishing or yoga or music, sewing,  whatever, it doesn't matter.   Take some time to get quiet and reflect on your life.      Do the things you really like to do, instead of things you have to do.     Rest, recharge, all kinds of wonderful things. 

In order to provide care for others, we have to take care of ourselves.   The New Year is a good time to do it.    I hope to get some good resolutions out of my retreat this year.  

For anyone dealing with a bad family situation, like some kind of lawsuit, you have to get away if you can a little to get some perspective.    As I tell clients, the wheels of justice run VERY slowly.     It is better to resolve cases outside of court in almost every family law situation, unless there is some kind of bad abuse going on or something like that.

So for those of you who are involved in litigation, try to take care of yourself, and not get too consumed with the case.    Hard to do, but important.    Take advantage of the mediation process.   You can mediate formally or informally, ask your attorney about all of the options.

Happy and healthy New Year to all blog readers,
Kathy Rowell
www.attorneyrowell.com

Join SETLAW at the EPB building on July 24.  The following candidates from the local contested elections will have an opportunity to answer questions submitted by our members:  Judge Philyaw, Yolanda Mitchell, Gwen Tidwell, Vince Dean, Steve Smith, Ardena Garth, Judge Sell, and Rex Sparks.  Lunch will be served at 11:45 am and the program will begin promptly at 12.  RSVP at:  http://setlawjulylunch.eventbrite.com.

Please sign up and come decide who you think is most qualified for all of Chattanooga's hotly contested elected positions.      

The St. Alban's Market just keeps getting better and better.    They always have fresh honey and meat from Brady's Farm Direct Meats.    Lately, the produce has been getting more variety as well, which probably has to do with the fact that we are getting later in the summer.

I got blueberries, cookies, yellow squash, zucchini, tomato, garlic, sirloin steak and also enjoyed free samples, like Green Rooibos Blush iced tea from Down to Earth and a blueberry muffin.

The market is every Saturday from 10AM to 1PM at the St. Alban's Episcopal Church.    The Church also offers a community garden and walking path.

Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Christine Mahn Sell has recently been promoting a new mental health court in the criminal system.     The court would involve better identification of people in the criminal system with mental health issues, especially those who tend to have repeated arrests for crimes like public intoxication and criminal trespassing.    The mental health court would work similarly to drug court and would require voluntary participation of those who have been charged with crimes.

If you want to see public fireworks in Chattanooga this year, you have 2 choices:

• July 3rd from 8-10PM---Pops on the River at Coolidge Park.  This is a free event where the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Orchestra will play a combination of patriotic and traditional tunes by the river, followed by fireworks.    People are encouraged to bring blankets and lawnchairs and either pack a picnic basket, or enjoy food from concessions.
• July 4--night--LakeWinnepesaukah Amusement Park--Enjoy a full day of rides, miniature golf and fireworks.

Or, like me, you may prefer to go to parties at friends' houses and watch private fireworks displays.   Whichever you decide, be safe!

On Tuesday, April 29, starting at 11:45AM, the American Lung Association is sponsoring the 29th Annual Women of Distinction luncheon at the Chattanooga Convention Center.    The 2014 TN Woman of Distinction is Kim Criswell, but the luncheon will also be honoring other notable Chattanooga area Women of Distinction, including the Honorable Christie Sell, the Hamilton County Sessions Court Judge.     Young Women of Distinction will also be recognized.   This promises to be another wonderful event in Chattanooga.

SETLAW's next happy hour is coming up this Thursday, April 24 at 6PM at 212 Market.   A big shout out goes to the Olsen Law Firm, who is sponsoring the event.        There will be cocktails and hors d'oeuvres featuring fresh, local foods.

This event is open to members and non-members, and no RSVP is required.    Please come out and have some food and drink on SETLAW later this week!

The Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) One with Courage Awards Luncheon is coming up on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 11:30AM at the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown.    The luncheon is the premier event that celebrates and acknowledges those people in the Chattanooga area who enrich the lives of children.  

The guest speaker will be Erin Merryn, a celebrated author and public figure who has openly discussed the sexual abuse she suffered as a child.   Erin is an activist who is the driving force behind Erin's Law, a law that has currently been passed in 8 states, with 14 more states introducing the law as we speak.    Part of Erin's Law provides that the Comprehensive Health Education Program for grades pre-kindergarten through 12 require age-appropriate
As part of the luncheon, awards are giving to honorees in the 3 following categories:

1.         Help--for first responders who help children in need or crisis
2.         Hope--for advocates who inspire or educate children and offer hope for their future
3.         Healing--For those who provide children healing to their minds, bodies and spirit