Featured stories
Read about our clients and staff, the positive impact ARS has on people’s lives, and how our work affects disparity reductions.
Adult Representation Services has a team that helps people navigate guardianships and supported decision making.
Watch our new video to learn more about the people, programs and mission of Adult Representation Services.
In 2024, Adult Representation Services expanded its immigration practice, making it possible to take on more cases with greater complexity.
As the first investigator for ARS, Sara Buggs assists the legal teams by planning, organizing and conducting investigations, collaborating across all practice areas.
In a new video, the national nonprofit Invisible People highlighted Hennepin County’s vision and the progress we have made. Along with other county partners, the video features interviews with ARS staff and clients.
People who are subject to guardianship are often vulnerable and need someone to look out for their best interests. Maisue Thao, an attorney on the ARS guardianship team, has devoted her career to doing just that.
As an attorney with the ARS child protection team, Joe Mitchell aims to center his clients’ humanity in a system that can sometimes be dehumanizing.
ARS has received the 2023 Countywide Award in the category of Disparity Reduction in Action.
As of March 2024, the ARS housing team has handled nearly 7,500 eviction cases. Of those, more than 800 have been dismissed and 5,400 have reached a settlement.
For Women’s History Month, we recognize two ARS staff members whose contributions to clients and our department embody our mission and vision of holistic advocacy.
Protecting the rights of American Indian families isn’t just a job, it’s a mission
For ARS attorney Jessica Ryan, working to protect the rights of American Indian families is a professional and personal mission. Her depth of knowledge is an incredible benefit to the clients served by ARS.
This year marks the 5-year anniversary of Adult Representation Services. We have grown from two staff and 1,000 cases in our first year to 76 staff and more than 3,400 cases at the halfway mark of 2023.
Highlighting ARS staffers who work behind the scenes.
Guardianship attorney celebrates success, shares expertise with colleagues
ARS client Jenny smiles in celebration after the successful dismissal of her guardianship.
Jamielee Brown uses her social work expertise and passion for maternal health to help families facing child protection involvement. The parents’ “well-being determines the health of the next generation,” Brown said.
ARS Director: “As I reflected on Women’s History Month, I thought of Julia’s swearing-in, the role of women in the ARS office and the broader legal profession, and my own journey.”
New Health Equity Legal Project focuses on maternal health, family stability
Health Equity Legal Project (HELP): Providing legal services and support for parents at risk of child protection involvement. Focusing on health and stability to keep families intact.
With the help of Adult Representation Services and additional supports, LaTanya has found stability and is looking forward to more years in her home.
"ARS amplifies black voices through zealous advocacy,” says ARS attorney Terrance Hendricks.
Adult Representation Services started out four years ago with two staff members. By 2022, that number had grown to 52 FTEs who represented more than 3,500 clients. Here are a few highlights showcasing the work of ARS in 2022.