IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION congratulating Denny Atherton on his retirement from Jackson County Family Court Services.
Intro
RESOLUTION #17897, May 21, 2012
INTRODUCED BY Crystal Williams, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Denny Atherton has served the youth and families of Jackson County for more than 40 years and will be celebrating his retirement at an event June 1, 2012; and,
WHEREAS, Denny is the Director of Assessment and Development for Jackson County Family Court Services, where he has contributed to the advancement of equality and justice for children in the juvenile justice system; and,
WHEREAS, Denny recently received the Andrew Jackson Higgins Excellence in Juvenile Justice award and has served on many committees designed to further juvenile justice issues, including the Juvenile Detention Assessment Initiative, which has led to widespread changes toward equitable treatment of youth involved in the juvenile justice system; and,
WHEREAS, Denny's leadership and tireless efforts to galvanize the community, courts, and law enforcement around basic principles of reform in juvenile justice has led to improved outcomes for youth in Jackson County; and,
WHEREAS, his efforts have decreased the County's use of secured detention and led to the development of non-secure detainment options for youth and the development of reforms for dealing with female juvenile offenders; and,
WHEREAS, Denny's guidance has been the catalyst in Jackson County for reform in juvenile justice issues, raising awareness about topics such as racial and gender disparities within the system; and,
WHEREAS, Denny's efforts will have a continued impact and benefit for the children of Jackson County for many years to come and he will be missed by all who work with him each day; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby congratulates Denny Atherton on his retirement and extends best wishes to him for over forty years of dedicated and loyal service to the juveniles and citizens of Jackson County.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________ ______________________________
Chief Deputy County Counselor County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution #17897 of May 21, 2012, was duly passed on May 21, 2012 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas ________8_______ Nays _______0_______
Abstaining ____0_____ Absent ______1______
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature