6 year custody battle ends in child being returned to her biological parents

Tennessee Supreme Court Rules in Anna Mae He Custody Battle
Custody Given to Jack and Casey He
King, Wendy. WMC-TV, Jan. 27, 2007.

After a long court battle, Jack and Casey He were awarded custody of Anna Mae He on January 23, 2007 by the Tennessee Supreme Court. This has been a highly publicized custody battle that has lasted for more than six years.

Jack and Casey He first gave temporary custody of their daughter, Anna Mae, to Jerry and Louise Baker on February 24, 1999. She was just a few weeks old at the time. The Bakers were to have custody of Anna Mae for ninety days in a sort of foster care agreement.

However, the He's agreed to allow the Bakers to continue to offer foster care for Anna Mae in April 1999. On June 4th of that same year, custody of the young child was transferred to the Bakers.

Almost a year later, in May of 2000, the He's filed a petition to have their daughter, Anna Mae returned to them. This petition was denied due to lack of income and pending criminal charges against Jack He for sexual battery.

On February 21, 2002, Jack He was acquitted of the sexual battery charges. Later that same year the He's would visit their daughter for the first time in three years.

Almost two years after the acquittal of the sexual battery charges against Jack He, there was a custody trial. On May 12, 2004, Judge Robert Childers (Memphis, TN Circuit Court judge) terminated the He's parental rights. Full custody of Anna Mae He was awarded to Jerry and Louise Baker. The He's appealed the hearing and in November 2005, the courts upheld the decision to terminate their parental rights.

In October 2006, the Tennessee Supreme Court began to hear arguments in an appeal filed by the He's. On January 23, 2007, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that Anna Mae He be returned to the custody of her biological parents, Jack and Casey He.

So, what does all of this mean for little Anna Mae (who will 8yrs old on Sunday)? The Bakers must turn over custody of Anna Mae to the He's. This will be arranged through the Memphis Juvenile Court system.

The He's plan to take Anna Mae back to their native country, China. They have stated that they would like for the Bakers to remain part of Anna Mae's life.

The only way the Bakers can appeal the decision is to take it before the U.S. Supreme Court. They have ninety days to file an appeal. At this time, there are no plans for such an appeal.Jack and Casey He first gave temporary custody of their daughter, Anna Mae, to Jerry and Louise Baker on February 24, 1999.On May 12, 2004, Judge Robert Childers (Memphis, TN Circuit Court judge) terminated the He's parental rights.

On January 23, 2007, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that Anna Mae He be returned to the custody of her biological parents, Jack and Casey He.This custody battle has been going on for more than six years.

Gov. Bredesen initiates mentoring program for teens in foster care

Bredesen Launches Mentoring Program For Teens In Foster Care
The Chattanoogan, Jan. 16, 2007.

Gov. Phil Bredesen Tuesday unveiled a new statewide mentoring initiative that pairs volunteer mentors with teenage children in foster care. The Governor’s mentoring program will provide young people in state custody with a positive, adult influence to help support them in making the right decisions as they grow toward adulthood.

The statewide initiative was launched today during a Martin Luther King Day observance event in Nashville with Gov. Bredesen, First Lady Andrea Conte, Department of Children’s Services Comm. Viola Miller, and former Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. The mentoring program will be operated through the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet.

“Helping teenagers in foster homes prepare for the transition to adult responsibilities is a critical investment in our youth,” said Gov. Bredesen. “A fundamental part of Dr. King’s vision was to ensure that all children, regardless of race or class, be provided the same opportunities to succeed in life. This program will go a long way in advancing that vision.”

The Children’s Cabinet will work with private organizations and individuals to pair volunteer mentors with early teenage children who are currently in Tennessee’s foster care system. The program is voluntary for the youth and will include optional mentor support groups and resources for mentors.Volunteer mentors will be asked to serve as a positive role model and friend through an ongoing, one-on-one relationship. Mentors will help teens set and meet goals and provide motivation and guidance to help achieve those goals. Mentors agree to spend four to six hours per month with the young person with whom they are paired.

The Governor’s Children’s Cabinet was created in March 2003 to coordinate and streamline the state’s efforts to provide needed services to Tennessee’s children, including those inside and outside of state custody. The Cabinet includes the Commissioners of Children’s Services, Education, Health, Human Services, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth and six citizens, including First Lady Conte, appointed by the Governor who are involved in issues affecting Tennessee’s children.

Adult Tennesseans interested in becoming a mentor must commit to taking a mentoring training class and pass a mandatory background check. Individuals interested in applying to be a mentor can call 1-866-519-LIFT (5438) to receive an application.