News  Barnstable Probate & Family Probation celebrates guardians and caregivers

Above: Barnstable County Probate & Family Probation Officer Amie Evans addresses the audience

Barnstable Probate & Family Court Probation staff celebrated the efforts of guardians and caregivers of children in the Barnstable County area with a special luncheon on June 4th at the court.

The celebration is one of the court’s community engagement efforts.

Guardianship of a minor is a legal process that gives the guardian authority to care for and to make decisions on behalf of a child.

The idea for the luncheon was introduced by Barnstable County Probate & Family Probation Officer Amie Evans, who was raised by her own grandparents. “The idea of providing appreciation and support to our guardianship community is near and dear to me,” Ms. Evans said.

In Massachusetts, there are more than 30,000 grandparents who are raising their children’s children with nearly one-third of these grandparents being responsible for grandchildren with no parent present in their lives, according to a study conducted by ForHealth Consulting at UMass Chan Medical School.

The luncheon featured: a wrap sandwich platter, a baked ziti dish, fresh fruit, and cookies catered by the Barnstable Market. Ms. Evans was assisted by her colleagues: Probation Officer Megan Connolly, Assistant Chief Probation Officer Christopher Hercun, and Chief Probation Officer Donna Feinberg Rachwal.

Ms. Evans said, “Our department has been exploring ideas of how we can better support our guardianship community. Caregivers of minor children were invited for lunch and thoughtful conversation regarding their concerns and needs. I really enjoyed seeing our guests spending time and connecting and sharing resources with one another.”

Guests also participated in a “Words of Encouragement” activity to conclude the luncheon.

Community engagement is a top priority of Probation Commissioner Pamerson Ifill and his executive team.