Justice for Children Task Force
The Justice for Children Task Force identifies barriers in the child welfare system that may keep foster children in foster care for longer than necessary. The Task Force works to remove these barriers, and to increase the likelihood of children finding safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.
About the Board
The Justice for Children Task Force brings together leaders from groups working to improve the lives of children in foster care. Together, Task Force members create solutions to remove barriers that keep children in foster care longer than necessary, getting the children into permanent, safe homes as quickly as possible. These solutions must also safeguard the legal rights of everyone involved.
The Task Force implements reforms and reports on its work. Recommendations are submitted to the Vermont Supreme Court when appropriate.
Board Members
Hon. Paul Reiber, Chief Justice, Vermont Supreme Court, Chair
Matthew Valerio, Esq., Defender General, Vermont Office of the Defender General
Kevin “Coach" Christie, State Representative, Vermont Legislature
Heather Bouchey, Deputy Commissioner, Agency of Education
Dr. James Metz, Pediatrician, University of Vermont Medical Center
Hon. Thomas Zonay, Chief Superior Court Judge for the Trial Courts, Vermont Judiciary
Teri Corsones, Court Administrator, Vermont Judiciary
Scott Griffith, Chief of Planning and Court Services, Vermont Judiciary
Carlie Thibault, DCF Quality Assurance, Department for Children and Families
Laurie Canty, Chief of Trial Court Operations, Vermont Judiciary
Olivia Terranova, Treatment Court Programs Manager, Vermont Judiciary
Rob Post, Program Manager Juvenile Matters, Vermont Judiciary
Marshall Pahl, Esq., Deputy Defender General/Chief Juvenile Defender, Vermont Office of the Defender General
Aryka Radke, Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department for Children and Families, Family Services Division
Brenda Gooley, Director of Operations , Vermont Department for Children and Families
Nathaniel Farnham, Youth Representative, Foster care alumnus
Contact Information
Chief Justice Paul L. Reiber, Chair
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-0701