First Judicial District Juvenile Division

06/01/2026

Happy Birthday, Gwen! 🎉

As the First Judicial's Trial Court Administrator, your incredible memory, attention to detail, and dedication help keep us all on track. We are grateful for everything you do for our team.

We pray that you have an amazing birthday filled with joy, laughter, blessings, and all the things that make you smile. May this year bring you continued happiness and success.

Enjoy your special day, Gwen! 🎂🎈💐

05/29/2026

Please help us wish our Chief of Staff, Shafae Booker, a very happy birthday!

Shafae's hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence help keep our team moving forward each and every day. She has a remarkable ability to keep everyone organized, focused, and on task while always maintaining a positive attitude. Shafae is the first to offer a helping hand whenever someone needs support, yet she rarely asks for anything in return. Her selflessness, leadership, and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable part of our team.

Thank you, Shafae, for all that you do. We are incredibly grateful for your leadership, kindness, and the positive impact you make every day. We hope your birthday is filled with joy, laughter, and a well-deserved opportunity to relax and celebrate. Happy Birthday, Shafae! 🎉🎂🎈

05/18/2026

✨ NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS ✨

First Judicial is excited to announce that this will be our SECOND summer hosting the H.E.R. for Girls / H.E.A.T. program! 💜🔥

H.E.A.T. (Habilitation • Empowerment • Accountability Therapy) is designed to empower young females ages 13–17 through encouragement, growth, accountability, and transformation.

We are currently looking for applicants who would benefit from being a part of this unique program experience.

⚠️ Spots are LIMITED!

If you know a young female who may be interested in participating, please contact:

📞 Sadie Blackwell
870-317-8501

Empower. Heal. Transform.

05/16/2026

Please join us in congratulating Bonnie Baker, Juvenile Drug Court Coordinator, on her graduation from University of Arkansas East Arkansas Community College with a degree in Liberal Arts and Science!

Bonnie graduated Cum Laude, an accomplishment that reflects her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to both her education and the youth and families she serves each day. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and excited to celebrate this milestone with her.

Congratulations, Bonnie! 🎓

05/12/2026

Many people ask why we have WWE belts at our table. The answer is simple — they help start conversations.

A lot of youth see our table and automatically think “trouble,” “court,” or something negative. Truthfully, many of us avoid hard conversations. The belts help break the ice, get them smiling, and give us a chance to engage.

Once they come over, the real conversation begins.

We talk about their future. We talk about choices. We talk about how one mistake does not define who they are or mean their life is over. Our goal is to help keep youth from entering the juvenile system, but if they do, we want them to know there are people willing to help guide them back on the right track.

Sometimes it starts with something as simple as a WWE belt and a conversation.

05/08/2026

Congratulations to our May Employee of the Month, Mr. Dendric McCoy!

As the Juvenile Drug Court Coordinator for the First Judicial District Juvenile Division, Mr. McCoy consistently goes above and beyond in supporting our youth and families. Through his dedication, encouragement, and accountability, he helps guide young people toward positive change and long-term success.

His passion for this work and the genuine care he shows to those he serves make a lasting impact every day. We are truly grateful to have Mr. McCoy as a mentor, role model, and valued member of our team.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Dendric McCoy on this well-deserved recognition!

05/06/2026

Special thank you to United Women in Faith at Forrest City United Methodist Church for the invitation and warm welcome. We truly appreciated the opportunity to speak with the group about the juvenile process. Thank you for your interest and thoughtful questions on ways the community can help support our youth and families.

05/05/2026

05/02/2026

May is National Drug Court Month, and we’re proud to highlight the work of our First Judicial Juvenile Drug Court Program.

Last month, our officers attended the Annual Specialty Court Conference and were reminded just how powerful this work is—meeting youth where they are, getting to the root of the issues, and walking alongside them with support, structure, and accountability.

We’re especially thankful for our Juvenile Drug Court Coordinators, Bonnie Baker and Dendric McCoy, who pour so much into our youth every single day. Because of efforts like theirs, lives are being changed and futures are being rewritten.

04/30/2026

First Judicial staff had the pleasure of supporting Lamont Swanigan, our very own probation officer, as he spoke to students at CSTP. He shared his personal journey as a heart transplant recipient and what it means to be given a second chance. Through his story, he encouraged the youth to view this program as an opportunity—a stepping stone toward a better future. He reminded them to take what they learn here and apply it as they move forward in life, making the most of their own second chances. We also appreciate the CSTP staff for the warm welcome and the tour.