[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18019]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JUDGE DORENE ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 2, 2013

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Midland County 
Probate and Family Court Judge Dorene Allen in recognition of her 
receiving the Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award, presented on 
November 26, 2013. This honor is extended to those with the most 
distinguished careers in serving Michigan's children and families. 
Judge Allen's passion for improving the lives of children and 
strengthening families in my hometown of Midland and across the state 
of Michigan makes her more than deserving of this award.
  Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, 
and a Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University Detroit College 
of Law, Judge Allen began helping children as a private practice 
attorney handling probate and family law cases. In 2001, Judge Allen 
was first elected to the Midland County Probate Court.
  Throughout her time on the bench, Judge Allen has focused her 
courtroom on successful outcomes for our community's youth, and worked 
to strengthen all families. Her outstanding efforts have resulted in 
the use of a multi-systemic therapy program, which has helped to 
significantly reduce the county's juvenile delinquency rate. 
Additionally, Judge Allen's involvement was instrumental in 
establishing Midland County's Baby Court, a ground-breaking 
collaborative effort to stop the neglect and abuse of infants and 
toddlers, while keeping families united.
  Judge Allen's service to children and families does not stop in the 
courtroom. Judge Allen serves on the Michigan Committee on Juvenile 
Justice, a 15 member committee focused on implementing and improving 
effective juvenile justice policies and programs. She is also an active 
member of the Michigan Probate Judges Association, serving as the Chair 
of the Juvenile and Adoption Committee, and Juvenile Issues Committee.
  Judge Dorene Allen's many successes, continued dedication to public 
service, and ongoing commitment to the families of the State of 
Michigan distinguish her as a deserving recipient of the Daniel J. 
Wright Lifetime Achievement Award. On behalf of the Fourth 
Congressional District of Michigan, I extend my congratulations to 
Judge Allen upon receiving this high honor, thank her for her 
contributions to our community and state, and wish her continued 
success in all her future endeavors.

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