Letters - Aug 2025

How can people advocate for teens in family court?

I have a question that could be considered a letter to the editor, I suppose – and even printed, because I’m probably not the only reader who wondered this. This is regarding the article about the teens’ experience with family court and appointed counselors and “masters” in the July issue. Their situation is horrible – and exactly the opposite of how the process needs to work, to help young people mature in a safe and healthy setting. Unfortunately, it is likely that theirs is probably not the only situation like this, though hopefully most are not so extreme.
My question is – what is an appropriate response for people who would like to see this overall structure improve? I can think that there may be state laws that could be created (or enforced), that there could be certification or training of masters and judges who are decision makers or doing assessments – and maybe some additional funding for staffing (at counties?) to be sure there is adequate time to do oversight and assessment of cases. Some information on the “levers” that could bring different results would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Christine Retkwa
Minnehaha

Editor’s note: Thanks for this question! When I reached out to local advocates with this question, they asked that people write to their legislators urging them to introduce – or co-author – legislation that:
1. Prohibits court-ordered “Parent-Child Reunification Programs” (PCRR), “reunification therapy,” or the so-called “resist/refuse” model in Minnesota family courts; and
2. Bars the appointment of private “Special Masters” (sometimes called parenting consultants) in custody and parenting-time matters.
A bill would amend Minnesota State chapter 518 to make it unlawful for any court to order (a) PCRR / reunification programs of more than one overnight without written consent of the child’s primary custodian and the child’s therapist, or (b) therapy that separates a child from a safe parent.
It would also add language prohibiting courts from appointing Special Masters (or any quasi-judicial delegate) to make or enforce custody decisions; instead, courts must retain direct judicial oversight or use the existing guardian-ad-litem framework.
Advocates also urge people to ask that a Judiciary Committee hearing be held this session so affected youth can testify.

Let’s band together to stop the city from removing elm trees

I am writing to the community to inform them of the disturbing demolishment of a healthy elm tree on our block on Friday, July 18th.
“It was an amazing and healthy elm that was sacrificed by the city for the sake of a few new sidewalk panels,” wrote Cynthia Henry resident of Dupont Ave S.
Henry went on to explain, “I paid thousands of dollars over the years to have it injected, trimmed and kept healthy. It’s shocking and sad, and please forgive me for not wanting to communicate more about it right now. I am incredibly upset.”
She explained in a neighborhood chat group, “Many of us have been very disappointed by the overall communication surrounding this project. All I received recently was a letter telling me how much I was going to have to pay for it. No notice of any work being done, etc.
“Most importantly, we have several other beautiful elms on our block that are true survivors, and they are 100% at risk in the coming weeks. So, a well-placed call could potentially be helpful.”
If you wish to express your dissatisfaction with this process, and the fact that the city does not deem it important enough to save landmark trees that have proven their ability to withstand changing climate conditions and provide critical environmental and community advantages, please contact our wonderful council woman, Linea Palmisano. She and her office are very responsive and have a vested interest in serving our community. The core issue lies with the sidewalk inspections group, our city leadership and their approach to large scale projects. The manager for the sidewalks project is Brandon Schnabel at 612-704-7092.l I left him a very pointed voicemail yesterday. Our Lynnhurst group might also be a good channel, if you are so inclined. Thanks for the support for our neighborhood.
Sincerely,

Christine Hokenson and citizens of Dupont Ave S. neighborhood on behalf of Cynthia Henry