JANS – The Hinds County Youth Court provided Thanksgiving meals to about 75 people in a dozen families who were recently reunited through court proceedings.

Hinds County Youth Court Judge Carlyn Hicks said, “Thanksgiving is about not just family and fellowship. It is a time to reflect on what we are thankful for. When we can help a family reunite in a safe way, that is a lot to be thankful for.”

“Each year, we try to do something for families around this time to lighten the load,” Judge Hicks said. “We focus on families who have been recently reunited or on children who have achieved permanency during the holiday season.”

Counselor and Truancy Director John Knight, at left, assembles desserts as Staff Attorney Jhasmine Andrews, and Records Clerk Earnestine Wine prepare to fill plates.

Families referred by the Department of Child Protection Services picked up take-out meals at the Henley-Young-Patton Juvenile Justice Center on McDowell Road in Jackson. Judge Hicks, Court Administrator Cynthia Moore, Intake Coordinator Robbie Hooker, Counselor and Truancy Director John Knight, Staff Attorney Jhasmine Andrews, and Records Clerk Earnestine Wine set up an assembly line to dish out plates of baked chicken, dressing, green beans, a roll, and dessert. 

This is the fourth year that staff of the Hinds County Youth Court provided Thanksgiving meals to some of the families who have been brought under the court’s jurisdiction.