Conversations with Tammytha Barnes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammytha Barnes.

Hi Tammytha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story:

My mother is Japanese, and my father is American. My father is retired Air Force. I lived in Japan for the first 5 years of my life. We were then transferred to Denver, CO.  We were stationed there for 3 years. That was my dad’s last stop before retiring from the Air Force after 26 years. My father is originally from Portland, TN, so we moved there once he retired. I was not happy about moving to Portland.  There was not a lot of diversity in that small town.  I was picked on relentlessly in school.  As the new girl, it was difficult making friends.  

I had a wonderful childhood.  I have great parents.  My parents instilled in me that education is very important.  Once I entered middle school and high school, I buried myself in my studies.  I didn’t do extracurricular activities until my senior year of high school.  After high school, I went to college, and I tried different majors such as education and accounting.  I finally found what really interested me.  I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a double major in psychology and sociology and a minor in criminal justice.  

While working a part-time retail job, I also worked full time for the Department of Children’s Services.  I have seen and heard too many horrific stories.  Those stories can take a toll on a person mentally and physically.  I left the Department.  I had an opportunity to work at Sumner County Juvenile Court, and I could not let that opportunity pass.  I have been at Sumner County Juvenile Court since 2001.  I worked with Judge Barry Brown, and I now work with Judge David Howard.  I could not be happier where I am now.  

At Juvenile Court, I started out part-time as Referee David Howard’s Judicial Assistant until a full-time position became available.  After one year, I continued to be his Judicial Assistant, but I also became one of the Juvenile Court’s Probation Officers.  A few more years passed, and I then added Foster Care Review Board Director to my job duties.  After many years, I was given the opportunity to become the Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor.  I did both jobs for a long time until another opportunity came to me.  Sumner County Juvenile Court implemented the new Safe Baby Court Program, and I was given this opportunity to become the first Safe Baby Court Coordinator.  I am very humbled and honored that Judge Howard thought of me for this position.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes, I am very fortunate and blessed that I have not had too many struggles in life. The lack of diversity growing up was a struggle, but it is now a benefit.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Safe Baby Court Program is a new program for Sumner County. The program was initiated by Senator Ferrell Haile. This program was developed because there is a need to reduce the incidence of child abuse, neglect, and endangerment, minimize the effects of childhood trauma on small children, and provide stability to parents and children.

Safe Baby Court is a problem-solving court and non-adversarial. One of the criteria to enter this program is that there must be a child within the family ages 0-3 years old. As a Safe Baby Court Coordinator, most of the families that I help struggle with addictions. I connect the mothers and fathers to resources to help get their lives back on track. I also lend support to the families.

Most of them don’t have anyone that they can turn to for support. I am there to encourage, guide, and give grace. I want to see families together. However, if the parents can’t get their lives on track, my priority is the safety and permanency of their child(ren). Too often, children remain in the foster care system for years, As the Safe Baby Coordinator, I ensure there is a secondary goal for the child(ren), such as exiting DCS custody with a relative or adoption.  I am most proud when I see a family reunited.

What sets me apart from others:

I can adapt to any situation. At Juvenile Court, you have to be able to go with the changes. There have been so many changes in the last 5 years from technology to adding specialty recovery courts.

In addition, I feel that I have a positive connection to our community partners. If anyone in my office needs a resource, they know they can come to me. Without our amazing community, I could not do my job.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?

We have a huge change coming in the next few months. The Juvenile Court, along with the other Courts, will be moving to the new Courthouse on the square.
Sumner County Juvenile Court is the only Juvenile Court in the State with a juvenile mental health court. We have a Mental Health Court, Teen Court, and Safe Baby Court. In the near future, our plans are to partner with the adult recovery court to share resources.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Sumner County Safe Baby Court
• Email: tbarnes@sumnercountytn.gov