Genesee County Girls Court is a specialized prevention docket designed to meet the unique and complex needs of adolescent females who are under the jurisdiction of the Genesee County Circuit Court, Family Division.

With the honorable David J. Newblatt serving as the presiding judge, Girls Court provides gender-specific and trauma-focused treatment, judicial monitoring, community supervision, and mentoring opportunities. Its primary purpose is to prevent the exploitation of children, and address victimization, health, education, and overall well-being. The program is an initiative of the Genesee County Circuit Court, Family Division, with the following collaborative partners: Genesee Health System, YWCA of Greater Flint, University of Michigan – Flint, Genesee County Human Trafficking Task Force, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and Wedgwood Christian Services.

“After sitting in on multiple court hearings, I witnessed firsthand the care being taken to give each girl an opportunity to thrive through multiple resources provided,” said Becky Foerster, executive director of The Hagerman Foundation. “It opened my eyes to this challenge in our community and gave me a new level of respect for not only Judge Newblatt, but each person involved in helping these young girls.”

 “The victimization of young women in our culture has become a social issue that we, as a society, need to address,” said Jocelyn Hagerman, CEO of The Hagerman Foundation.  “We are happy to partner with Girls Court, and if we can help just one girl from becoming a victim, our involvement is a success.”