Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) voted late Tuesday in favor of legislation that makes the New Haven regional children's probate court pilot program permanent.

The bill, HB 6747, An Act Concerning Regional Children's Probate Courts , was passed by the Senate early Wednesday and is now on its way to Governor Rell's desk.

"As a proud co-sponsor of the original legislation creating the pilot program, I am extremely happy that this important and necessary pro-family, pro-children probate court program will be permanent. This is terrific news for Connecticut children who are in need of these services," said Senator Freedman.

In addition to making the pilot program permanent, the bill authorizes the probate court administrator to establish six more regional children's probate courts. As under the pilot program, judges can voluntarily participate in the regional program and may advise the probate court administrator in selecting the administrative judge for their region. The bill takes effect October 1, 2005.

"Last summer, I spoke at the opening ceremony for the pilot regional probate court for children. At that time, I said I hoped this would be the first of many opening ceremonies for these courts whose judges are extremely sensitive to the difficulties being experienced by the families that desperately need them. There is good in every child, and these special judges are uniquely qualified to see that in their efforts to help them, and their families, resolve problems and deal with sometimes difficult life circumstances," said Senator Freedman.

Senator Freedman emphasized that the bill in no way eliminates any current probate court, nor is it intended to merge any court in the future or to create one regional court.