In this episode of the Igniting Impact Podcast, host Stacey Moss explores an initiative designed to improve the experience of families navigating dependency hearings. She speaks with Sarah Burns, Terreca DeFehr, Melissa Zielstorf, and Allison Ward about challenges families face when accessing and participating in legal proceedings. The conversation also examines how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for accessible virtual court resources.

Sarah Burns explains how the project began. Washington’s 39 courts used different protocols and technology platforms, which created challenges for families participating in remote hearings. In addition, the team interviewed more than 200 parents, partners, and stakeholders to better understand those challenges. Based on those findings, the team developed a series of informational videos with support from Public Knowledge®.

As a result, the Washington Administrative Office of the Courts launched this effort to make virtual court proceedings more accessible. The team created videos that provide technical support and practical courtroom guidance in clear, straightforward language. Furthermore, the videos are now available in five additional languages. They help families understand the hearing process, their responsibilities, and how to participate effectively in virtual court proceedings.

Hear More in the Podcast

The impact of this project extends beyond the courtroom. It demonstrates how procedural justice principles can improve access, participation, and understanding for families involved in dependency proceedings. As a result, families gain practical resources that help them navigate the court process with greater confidence.

Listen to learn how collaboration among court leaders, lived experts, and community partners helped create meaningful improvements for families across Washington State.

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Get To Know Our Guests

Sarah Burns, Statewide Innovation Coordinator, Washington Administrative Office of the Courts

Sarah supports court improvement projects that focus on promoting equity and trauma-informed practices for dependency court systems. Among her current projects, she is coordinating a cross-system effort to utilize Dr. Chan Hellman’s, Science of Hope, across partnering programs and organizations to increase hope for children and families served in those systems. Additionally, she is co-designing a framework to genuinely partner with lived experts in systems change work and increase belonging. Sarah possesses knowledge and experience in trauma-informed practices and the change process for the implementation of those practices. Knowing that wellness is the foundation of a trauma-responsive organization, she encourages a culture of wellness for the professionals and families involved with the court system.

Terraca DeFehr, CHERISH Parent Engagement Advisor at Kindering

Terreca is a dedicated child welfare parent with lived expertise. She brings profound commitment and unwavering dedication to guiding parents, agencies, and communities through their distinctive journeys in child welfare transformation. With firsthand experiences within the child welfare system, Terreca seamlessly transitioned into the role of a parent with lived experience after reuniting with her children in 2007. As a result, she utilizes her unique perspective to assist parents in navigating its complexities.

Melissa Zielstorf, Lived Expert Consultant

Melissa is a parent with lived child welfare experience. After two dependencies, Melissa dedicated herself to supporting and advocating for other parents who are involved in the child welfare system, using her voice for system change. Melissa began her career at a family treatment program for families who are involved in the dependency court as a peer support specialist. She was promoted to case manager and then care coordinator after the program implemented WISe services. Melissa has been independently contracted with the Office of Public Defense as a social service worker in the parents’ representation program. Melissa is also contracted with the Administrative Office of Courts as a Lived Expert Consultant and Independently Contracted with a local family treatment program as a referral coordinator.

Allison Ward, Learning Practice Director at Public Knowledge®  

Allison is responsible for building client relationships, project management, data analyses, research, and drafting deliverables. She has 18 years of experience working with state and local child welfare agencies and juvenile court systems. Her background includes direct experience working with youth and families in the child welfare system.

  

About the Podcast

Launched in 2023, the Igniting Impact Podcast highlights our client’s and partner’s important work. We created this podcast to spark conversations that strengthen connections and encourage progress across the field. One of our core values at Public Knowledge® is Impact. We built the podcast around this principle. It reflects how we approach our work every day. Impact to us means, “We approach every engagement with our energy focused on identifying the right goals, outcomes, and strategies. And we each have a personal responsibility to make a positive impact on our projects and our world.”