Juvenile Justice Collaboration

Written By Joe Hagedorn

Yesterday, I spent time in community with ALF Oregon Fellows. More than a decade ago, I took part in the ALF Juvenile Justice collaboration cohort, and it changed how I think about working together to improve systems. At the time, I was the chief supervising attorney for the Metropolitan Public Defender's juvenile unit. When the mother of a 9-yr-old girl wrongfully handcuffed by the police reached out to me, I knew I had to step up. 

I collaborated with Mark McKechnie (Former Executive Director, Youth Rights Justice) on changes to the city ordinance. One change would have been to prevent police from taking a child under 10 years old into custody without an order from a juvenile court judge. Although that effort was ultimately unsuccessful, the work underscores that when the justice system is led by people who care and who are committed to doing better, outcomes improve for everyone. I’ve devoted my career to public service and improving outcomes for our community.

Joe Hagedorn

My name is Joe Hagedorn, and I am running for Judge of the District Court in Multnomah County in the May 2026 election. I have spent 24 years practicing law and the past six years serving as a Judge Pro Tem in the family law court. That on-the-bench experience has prepared me to handle the realities of the courtroom with fairness, care, and efficiency. My background in both private practice and legal aid gives me a broad perspective on the complex issues families bring before the court.

https://www.hagedornforjudge.com
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