Chief Judge Wilson Praises Family Court Judges for Answering a High Calling
9.12.2025
Two Family Court judges honored for their service to New York’s children and families instead honored their staff, colleagues and families.
The New York State Bar Association recognized Brooklyn Family Court Judge Jacqueline Deane and Oneida County Family Court Judge Paul Deep with the Howard A. Levine Award for Excellence in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare. The award recognizes vital work undertaken to improve New York’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Past recipients include judges, child advocates, social workers, government leaders, court professionals, and community activists.
Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and the entire New York State Court of Appeals attended the event where Wilson spoke of the sacrifices made by the honorees. Wilson called their work a high calling with no quick wins or blazes of glory, just the noble day-to-day work of serving families in their greatest hour of need.
“Family Court is the more challenging path, but it is a path I think most of us would agree can be more beautiful, rewarding and impactful than any other,” he said. “Your work is life-changing and lifesaving.”
Judge Deep
Judge Deep balances work as a Family Court judge in Oneida County with his roles as presiding judge of Family Treatment Court and coordinating judge for the problem-solving courts serving five Central New York counties. Deep played an integral role in the creation of the juvenile treatment court in Oneida County in 2008 when he was an Attorney for the Child and working in private practice. The juvenile treatment court has since closed.
Judge Deep is widely recognized for his commitment to teaching fellow attorneys. In accepting his award, Deep credited his court family for his success, noting that his accomplishments are due to his team.
“None of this is done by one person, it’s done by all of us, and we all need to celebrate those accomplishments,” he said. “Family Court is in your heart and it’s in your soul. It is not required; you do it because you want to help.”
Judge Deane
As a trainer with the Legal Aid Society for Juvenile Rights and a professor at NYU Law Clinics, Judge Deane is dedicated to improving the juvenile justice and child welfare systems in New York State. She is focused on imparting the highest ethical standards to her students.
In accepting her honor, Judge Deane called the Levine Award the ultimate Family Court award, crediting her success to many teachers and mentors throughout her career.
“This job is isolating, and people don’t generally give you positive feedback, which is why receiving this award is so truly meaningful,” she said. “The biggest reward is the opportunity each day to do something meaningful in the life of another person.”
Judge Deane called attention to lack of funding for Family Court, especially in New York City. She encouraged her fellow jurists to keep up the fight for children and families.
“As Family Court judges, we must use our position to rise to that challenge, to be someone who brings attorneys and other system players together to help find the tools to assist children and families, even when they don’t seem to exist.”
Judge Deane closed by thanking the child clients in her court for their courage and resilienece, saying it is her inspiration.
The Howard A. Levine Award is named for retired Court of Appeals Judge Howard A. Levine, who was the first chair of NYSBA’s Special Committee on Juvenile Justice, now known as the Committee on Children and the Law. He is a leader in the effort to improve New York’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
