Michigan Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is very proud to congratulate Judge Frederick L. Wood, recipient of the 2011 Michigan CASA Judge of the Year Award. This Michigan CASA award, awarded annually by the Board of Directors, was presented to Judge Wood on Saturday, November 12 at the 2011 Michigan CASA Conference held in Lansing, Michigan.
Judge Frederick L. Wood, currently Judge of Probate of Branch County, received Michigan CASA’s Judge of the Year Award for his outstanding commitment to each abused and neglected child in Branch County. He is a strong advocate for every child that enters his court. He wants each child to thrive while placed at home, with a relative or in foster care. He demands to know where a child is going to be placed prior to removal. He understands the intricacies of working with contract service agencies and has on numerous occasions ordered DHS to visit the children weekly. He demands from the bench excellence from all who are responsible for the children. He is a strong advocate of CASA throughout the community: Speaking at service groups; articulating the program on the local radio station; addressing potential volunteers at informational meetings; attending in-service meetings; participating with local newspaper reporters and with press releases; and presenting the CASA program at local DHS staff meetings. Judge Wood always treats CASA volunteers with respect and in the highest regard. He is passionate about his work with and for children and sees the value in each child.
The Judge of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding Judge who has made a significant contribution in helping abused and neglected children in Michigan. All Judges, in Michigan, who have made a significant voluntary contribution to abused and neglected children and to CASA are eligible to receive the award.
