The Wisconsin Juvenile Court Clerks Association (WJCCA) and the Children’s Court Improvement Program (CCIP) co-sponsored the 2025 WJCCA Conference in Stevens Point this year. The Ninth Judicial District Juvenile Clerks were the host district and chose a fun back-to-school theme!
The conference began with the New Clerk Orientation, which is offered to any Juvenile Clerk who has been in their position for two years or fewer. New Juvenile Clerks are provided with a resource binder and connected with an experienced mentor. The three-hour orientation gives new Juvenile Clerks an opportunity to ask questions in a smaller environment.
District Court Administrator Sandra La Du from the Ninth Judicial District opened the conference with uplifting remarks and thanked the Juvenile Clerks for their pivotal role in the court system. Judge Michael Zell, Portage County, presented on legal information vs legal advice and provided the Juvenile Clerks with tips when presented with questions from the public looking for help and assistance. Stephen Kelley, Public Information Officer, presented on Juvenile Media Requests and offered headshot photos to create a WJCCA photo directory.
CCIP staff presented on Safe Haven, Minor Guardianship, juvenile forms updates, and requested CCAP programming. Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) staff presented on undeliverable emails, waiver of fees, and calendar tips before taking questions from Juvenile Clerks. Commissioner Barry Boline, Ozaukee County, and Commissioner Mark Fremgen, Dane County, presented on Sovereign Citizens and how to respond in a safe manner when engaging with those individuals.
The Juvenile Clerks also enjoyed a self-care session presented by William Koepke of Pearl Street Gym. Finally, the popular roundtable discussions and buzz session allowed Juvenile Clerks to connect and learn about different practices throughout the state.
Overall, the evaluations and feedback from the Juvenile Clerks were very positive. The Third Judicial District is hosting the 2026 WJCCA conference, and planning will begin within the next few months.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov