Transcript for Candidate Free Air Time 2008: Joan Kohout

I am Judge Joan Kohout.

Family Court plays an important role in the lives of our families and children.

It is a court where despair can be replaced by hope.

In my twenty years on the bench, I've tried to do just that.

Young people struggling with addiction, parents caught up in domestic violence,

bitter custody battles and petitions for the protection of abused children.

Are just sampling of what family court judges must face everyday.

But Family Court can also be a place where healing begins, and where the joy of new families

created through adoption is seen. The experience and understanding that I've gained

from twenty years as a Monroe County Family Court Judge, has made me sensitive to the

importance of my role and the need to be firm, yet fair, in my judgments.

But Family Court can not solve all problems.

We must help families make decisions for themselves, through the use of mediation and family conferencing.

We must teach children the skills to peacefully resolve their disagreements.

My commitment to justice for families does not end when my daily court calendar is done.

As an active member of our community, and a past president of the New York State Family Court Judges Association.

I've consistently supported programs designed to strengthen families and keep children out of court.

As a Family Court Judge I've served to the best of my ability. I promise to carry on that effort

And I seek the honor of continuing to serve you for the next 10 years.