News  Norfolk Probate & Family Probation employee assists domestic violence victims and is “the glue” that holds the court together during COVID-19 says Chief

Danielle Slaney, Norfolk Probate & Family Probation Office Manager, assisted several victims of domestic violence whose restraining orders were set to expire and has been “the glue that holds the department together during COVID-19,” according to Norfolk Probate & Family Probation Chief Teresa Plante. 

Chief Plante said Ms. Slaney, a 16-year employee of the court, found the restraining orders which required updating but were not on the list. She said she runs two reports: a Case Management Event Calendar which provides a list of cases scheduled for a hearing and a CARI-Civil Orders Beyond Expiration Date report which provides a list of cases due to expire. 

“Both of these reports help me to provide the most updated information,” said Ms. Slaney who immediately contacted police to ensure they received the proper paperwork for the cases.

“The restraining orders would not have continued if she hadn’t found them. They would have expired and the women could have been in a very tough position. That really did make a difference. This could have been a domestic violence situation,” Chief Plante said. “It speaks to the Coronavirus and being shut down but still being able to get things done that are so very important.”

In addition to assisting the women in these cases, Ms. Slaney has also provided her technological skills to colleagues who are working remotely from home during the pandemic.

Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan commented, “Ms. Slaney's efforts in assisting domestic violence victims and helping her colleagues get acclimated to working remotely during COVID-19 reflects her strong dedication to her job and the people we serve.”

“She is the glue that holds the Norfolk Probate & Family Court Probation Department together, particularly during COVID-19. While many things have changed and been re-adjusted during these unprecedented times, she has remained consistent,” said Chief Plante. “She has been working very hard and has been an amazing asset to Norfolk Probate and Family during these times. Danielle has helped the entire office with adjusting to working both from home and the office and has gone above and beyond what an office manager does.” 

“Danielle is often the first impression you get of the Probation Department and it speaks volumes for one’s faith in working with the department that you would be treated well. She has always been professional and even tempered despite the highs and lows of working with families in need. Her qualities have never shined more than they have during this pandemic,” said First Justice Patricia A. Gorman.

Judge Gorman added, “She is always on top of what is before the court each day and what is needed not only by the Probation Officers but  also the judicial staff to insure efficiency in handling the cases day to day.” 

Ms. Slaney has no interest in being the object of attention. She said she enjoys helping others and considers the extra steps she has taken at the court during COVID-19 as a part of her duties and responsibilities. 

"I like helping others make a stressful situation a little easier," said Ms. Slaney. 

Helping people is a passion of hers both at work and outside of the job. She manages an internship for disabled individuals at the court called the Paralegal Assistant Training Program (PLAT), a one-year internship during which participants perform office duties such as shredding, copying forms, and recycling. PLAT was established in 2015 and there have been five interns. Due to COVID-19, the program is on hold, according to Ms. Slaney. 

During her free time pre-COVID-19, Ms. Slaney worked at a local YMCA where she teaches autistic children and teens, ages 3 to 18, how to swim as part of the Adapted Aquatics Program. She swam competitively in high school and wanted to share her favorite activity as well as help those who are disabled learn how to swim. 

"Drowning is among the leading causes of death of individuals with autism," she said. "I enjoy teaching because it is challenging and rewarding. I love to see the students overcome challenges and achieve success," Ms. Slaney said.