DETROIT — Wayne County Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly in September
withdrew her request for privatized Friend of the Court functions, according to
the court Web site. As chief judge, Kelly has the responsibility of operating
the circuit court.
Friend of the Court collects and distributes child support money
and works to enforce court orders on child custody. Judge Kelly wanted a 33
percent increase in staffing levels for the service while maintaining an overall
budget of $28 million for the service. There are currently 169 employees in the
court’s FOC office, according to Gongwer News Service.
The court’s labor unions rallied against the move and in order
to negotiate with the bargaining unit, the judge rescinded the request,
according to Judge Kelly. In November, Kelly announced she would resign as chief
judge of the Wayne County Circuit Court in 2008. Kelly, who served three terms
in that position, told the Detroit Free Press that anonymous threats and a rumor
campaign contributed to her decision.
References: Gongwer News Service, "Wayne Co.
privatization controversy mimics foster care arguments," Sept. 12, 2007; Third
Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan Web site, "Withdrawal of Request for Proposal for Friend of the Court Services,"
www.3rdcc.org; The Detroit Free Press, "Wayne Co.’s Mary Beth Kelly
resigns as chief judge," Nov. 13, 2007
