New York State Bar Association Honors Two Attorneys Working in Child Advocacy and Family Court Reform
8.25.2026
The New York State Bar Association is honoring two attorneys who have fought to reform the child welfare system, including successfully advocating for the removal of shackles on juveniles during court hearings.
Christine Sabino Kiesel, a child welfare reform consultant and Dawne Mitchell, chief attorney for the Juvenile Rights Practice of the Legal Aid Society of New York City, will receive the Howard A. Levine Award for Excellence in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare at 5 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Bar Center in Albany.
Kiesel fought for reforms in New York’s family courts that streamlined the process, provided judicial oversight and reduced delays in adoption cases. Her training programs have educated countless child welfare professionals, improving the system from the inside out.
“Christine Kiesel constructed and launched New York’s ‘Better for Families’ initiative, which brought child welfare agencies and substance use services together to support the needs of children and their parents in our court system,” said New York State Bar Association President Taa Grays. “Nothing stops her. She is a force for innovation and reform in our state.”
Mitchell leads more than 300 attorneys and staff who represent 90% of children and youth involved in the New York City family courts. She helped end the use of prone restraints on children living in facilities run by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Mitchell lobbied to pass legislation raising investigation standards for the State Central Register of Abuse and Maltreatment and ending the practice of anonymous abuse reporting, which can often be used as a weapon by opposing family members. Her client-centered approach to advocacy prioritizes the emotional and psychological needs of children in her care.
“Dawne Mitchell’s leadership has produced life changing reforms for children and youth in our state. From raising the age when children are involved in a juvenile delinquency arrest to helping young people enforce court orders when transitioning out of foster care, Dawne Mitchell is looking out for our most vulnerable citizens,” Grays said. “The success of her reforms is a model for other states across the country.”
One major victory for Mitchell and other advocates was the 2021 law prohibiting the use of shackles on juveniles appearing in Family Court. After years of advocacy, Mitchell, joined by her staff at the Legal Aid Society and a coalition of groups representing children, saw their efforts come to fruition. New York now joins 30 other states in banning the practice.
Rowan Wilson, chief judge of the Court of Appeals and the State of New York, will deliver remarks following a welcome message by Grays. The awards will be presented by Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina Richardson and Statewide Coordinating Judge for Family Court Matters Richard Rivera.
The Levine award is named for retired Court of Appeals Judge Howard A. Levine, the first chair of what was then called the Special Committee on Juvenile Justice. It recognizes the vital work to improve New York’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Judge Levine served in a variety of public service positions for over 40 years, including as an associate judge on the Court of Appeals from 1993 to 2002.
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.
