The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Jackie Boissonnault, LMSW, Director of Children's Advocacy at MHA, to the New York State Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children. 

Nominated by the New York State Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, Boissonnault was appointed by the Chief Judge of New York State, Janet DiFiore, on February 28, 2019. This well-deserved honor marks the first time a CASA has had a seat on the Commission. 

Chaired by former Presiding Judge of the Appellate Division Third Department Karen K. Peters, the Commission has worked for three decades to improve the lives and life chances of youth who come before New York Courts. The Commission’s members, including judges, advocates, physicians, legislators and state and local officials, are dedicated to promoting the well-being of young people through policy reforms and educational efforts aimed at improving the delivery of justice to children and families. 

“It is an honor to represent CASA on the Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children,” said Boissonnault. “Throughout my years of service within the child welfare and judicial systems, I have witnessed the impact of the research, policy and implementation of services as a result of the tremendous work of the Commission. There is no doubt that the children and families of New York have experienced better outcomes because of the Commission’s unyielding commitment to their well-being and justice.”  

For 20 years, Boissonnault has dedicated herself to the agency’s youth advocacy volunteer initiatives, including the CASA, Host Visitation and Third Party Review programs, all of which support better outcomes for children and teenagers within the foster care system. She is also a member of the local Westchester County Court Improvement Project, a federally funded project to assess and improve foster care, termination of parental rights and adoption proceedings. This local initiative is part of the larger New York State Court Improvement Project, which was implemented by the Commission in 1994, upon designation from the New York State Court of Appeals.

“On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors of MHA, we are incredibly proud of Jackie and cannot think of a better person to contribute to the efforts put forth by the Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice,” said MHA CEO Charlotte Östman, LCSW-R. “Jackie's commitment to the children and teenagers within our foster care system is an inspiration, and her leadership has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of hundreds of Westchester families.”