Hilo Family Court welcomed 24 foster youth, along with supporters and community participants to the 7th annual East Hawaiʻi Island Teen Day on July 31 at the Hale Kaulike courthouse. The event was a collaboration of the Hi H.O.P.E.S. Initiative board and Third Circuit District Family Court Judge Darien Ching Nagata, in partnership with the State Department of Human Services’ Child Welfare Services Branch, Effective Planning and Innovative Communication (EPIC) ‘Ohana, Inc., and the Salvation Army.

“We want our foster youth to play an active role in shaping their own futures, and that starts with them having a good understanding of their rights,” said Judge Nagata. “We started Teen Day at the Hilo Courthouse in 2017 to educate these young people on their options and the services available to them, while orienting them to the court environment in a friendly, welcoming way.”

During her opening remarks, Third Circuit Chief Judge, Wendy DeWeese asked the youth to recognize that under the black robe, judges are just “normal everyday people.” She urged them to exercise their right to attend the hearings on their cases, and further encouraged them get to know their judge in meetings outside of the court proceedings.

Participating youth observed a mock hearing that showed them what a foster youth meeting with their judge can be like, and what happens in the court hearing that follows. They also learned about the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and the Pono Process.

As part of the Teen Day activities, attendees played minute-to-win-it games, made slime, and enjoyed snacks and a lunch. As a parting gift, Teen Day organizers provided each foster youth with a back-to-school backpack filled with useful supplies and other goodies.