First “Navigation Through the Probate and Family Court” Session a Huge Success Norfolk County Probate and Family Court Working to provide equal access to Justice             As part of the Probate and Family Court’s initiative to do more community outreach, a pilot program was recently implemented in Norfolk County and held at Canton High School.             On March 25, 2009, twenty-five attendees from Norfolk, Suffolk, Middlesex, Bristol and Plymouth counties gathered to hear information about court protocol, basic filing instructions, services available, resources, and how and where to obtain legal assistance. All attendees were encouraged to obtain legal assistance if they were able to for all or part of their case. After presentations from Richard Schmidt, Norfolk Judicial Case Manager, Anne Cremonini, Norfolk Assistant Chief Probation Officer, Carol Ewing and Agnes Leathe, Norfolk Law Librarians, and Attorney John Dugan, the attendees had the opportunity to ask questions. The attendees indicated in evaluations after the program that were very pleased with the information that they received. Many attendees are interested in coming back for another session, and asked that additional topics be covered at the next program so that they can learn more.              Chief Justice Paula Carey is appreciative that Probation Officer Barbara Barrett stepped up to develop and organize this program. “Probation Officer Barrett and those presenting exemplify the dedication and commitment of Trial Court employees to helping make our system run smoothly and to ensure that all persons have access to justice in our court. It is important that people utilizing the Probate and Family Court have the information that they need to understand how their case progresses through the Probate and Family Court. This program provides that information and lets people know that we are here to help them and can direct them to legal and other resources.”              The next session is at 7:00 p.m. on April 29, 2009 at Canton High School, 990 Washington Street. The program is free and open to the public.