Family Connection Partnership News

2003 Family Connection Biennial Conference Updates

Judge Hatchett to Keynote FC Conference

Family Connection Partnership is pleased to announce that Judge Glenda A. Hatchett will be the keynote speaker during the opening session of the 2003 Family Connection Biennial Conference, Oct. 19 - 21, at Jekyll Island. Hatchett, who recently joined the Family Connection Partnership Board of Directors, is a nationally recognized authority on juvenile and social issues. She is renowned in the legal community for her innovative courtroom style of using interventions in her work with youth.

Hatchett says that her most important accomplishment is her ability to have a positive impact on the lives of troubled youth and their families. Her nationally syndicated television series "Judge Hatchett" is currently finishing its third season and will begin a fourth season next month. The series defines a courtroom television approach that urges viewers to become mentors to at-risk youth.

Hatchett frequently delivers speeches and lectures throughout the country. She has appeared as a judicial expert on various television programs and networks, including "Nightline," "Good Morning America," "MacNeil/Lehrer," Fox News Channel, CNN, and Court TV, and on various radio programs.

She serves as the national spokesperson for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), a nonprofit organization that trains citizens to become volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system. She also serves on the Board of Directors of GAP Inc. and HCA, Fortune 500 companies. Hatchett was named "Woman of the Year" by 100 Black Men of America and one of 10 "Women of Distinction" by the Girl Scouts of America.

Next month, Hatchett will release her parenting strategy book, Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say: 7 Simple Strategies to Help Our Children Along the Path to Purpose and Possibility. The book, which will be available in bookstores across the country, draws from her experiences as both a judge and parent. She shares with readers several strategies to becoming more involved in children's lives and maintaining a strong relationship that will ensure that children are happy, healthy, productive and motivated.

Hatchett is a native of Atlanta and resides in both Atlanta and New York City, where her television show "Judge Hatchett" is produced.

Early-bird Registration Ends; Still Time to Register

Just in case you missed the early-bird registration discount for the 2003 Family Connection Biennial Conference, there is still time to register. Register now through Oct. 1 for $300. The late registration fee (Oct. 2 - 10) will increase to $350. Register by Oct. 1 to guarantee receipt of conference materials. For more details, visit http://www.georgiafamilyconnection.org/comm/fcconf.htm

FCP to Release Annual Report

Family Connection Partnership will release its annual report at the Family Connection conference in October. The Partnership has completed its first full operational year and looks forward to sharing the results of the work to improve outcomes for children, families and communities.

Conference Planning Committee Thanks You for Award Nominations

The 2003 Family Connection Conference Planning Committee wishes to thank everyone who submitted nominations for its 2003 Community Achievement Awards. Winners will be announced during the October conference. We look forward to recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations for their work on behalf of children, youth, families and communities.