Staff Writer
He attended the 2010 Florida Department of Children and Families Dependency Summit to continue his education on child welfare practice, but he left with something more.
Clay County Family Circuit Court Judge Dan Wilensky was recognized with the “Advocate of the Year” award for the Fourth Judicial Circuit at the Dependency Summit. The advocate awards are presented to nominees in each of Florida’s 20 circuits.
“It was very rewarding to be recognized,” said Wilensky, who was unaware that he had been nominated when he attended the summit.
“I say that what goes on in the (family) division is the most important that goes on in the courthouse. It affects generations of people,” he said.
The award was created to recognize an individual within each judicial circuit that others seek out for advice on how to solve problems and best help families in their community.
The nominee demonstrates leadership and team work among the child protection professionals and agencies in their community.
“I run a problem-solving court, not a punishing court,” said Wilensky. “I see so many parents that have drug, alcohol or emotional problems and we try to get them help from the services available through many programs. If we don’t get it right, we contribute to messing up children for generations.”
A five-person panel from each circuit reviewed the nominations and selected an honoree. The panel included a dependency judge, a community-based care lead agency representative, a Department of Children and Families representative, a parents’ attorney representative and a Guardian ad Litem representative.
“He is a great supporter of the (Guardian ad Litem) program,” said Hilary Creary, director of the Guardian ad Litem program for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, who nominated Wilensky.
“He ensures the safety and well- being of the children and goes above and beyond to ensure children are getting the services they need,” she said.
Another person who has regular contact with Wilensky agreed.
“He’s a great judge. Very pro-children and he makes sure they get the services and care that they need,” said Melinda Brown, case coordinator for GAL in Clay County.
Wilensky joined the bench in 2007, but his interest in family court had been sparked many years before he put on the black robe.
“I became a Guardian ad Litem about 20 years ago, and it changed my life and my career, honestly,” said Wilensky. “I did a lot of work for free, as a volunteer guardian, volunteer attorney, and it was very rewarding. They are often the most difficult, emotional cases in the courthouse.”
Despite the difficulty, Wilensky can’t wait to get to the courthouse every day.
“I love what I do and take it very seriously,” said Wilensky.
To become involved with the Guardian ad Litem program, visit its website at www.guardianadlitem.org, or in the Fourth Circuit, call Hilary Creary at 630-1200.
356-2466