Leading change in equitable, timely, and compassionate justice
Judge Andrea M. Buford, acting presiding judge of the Child Protection Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, has been honored with the prestigious Impact of the Year Award by the NCJFCJ. The award was presented at the 11th annual Justice Innovation Awards ceremony in Chicago during the NCJFCJ’s 88th Annual Conference. This award highlights Judge Buford’s commitment to improving outcomes for children and families through judicial innovation, collaboration, and systemic reform.
Judge Buford has served in the Child Protection Division since 2014 and now oversees 13 judges as acting presiding judge. Under her leadership, the division has expanded access to trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate services through two specialty courts: the Early Childhood Court and the Benchmark Court for teens transitioning out of care. Her work has resulted in policies to improve our ability to achieve permanency in a timely fashion.
“It is humbling to be recognized for fulfilling a mission so near and dear to my heart,” said Judge Buford. “As the saying goes, children are our future, and to be able to assist children and families by providing equal justice through our courts is an attainable goal.”
Judge Buford’s statewide influence is equally notable. As chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Juvenile Courts, she led hearings that included testimony from prosecutors, defenders, and advocates, culminating in a groundbreaking report on the disparate impact of legislation and case law in juvenile justice. She also initiated a statewide judicial listserv to enhance communication among juvenile court judges, contributed to the Illinois Juvenile Court Benchbook, and completed the Executive Fellows Program at the Erikson Institute Early Childhood Leadership Academy.
Her collaborative work spans multiple high-impact committees, including chair of the Special Supreme Court Committee on Juvenile Courts, the Supreme Court Committee on Professional Responsibility, the Committee on Equal Justice, and the Guardian Ad Litem Education Subcommittee. She is also helping implement the SAFE Model, a new process by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services aimed at improving safety and permanency outcomes.
“Judge Buford exemplifies what it means to make a lasting impact,” said Judge Kathleen Quigley, president of the NCJFCJ. “Her dedication to judicial leadership, equity, and systems-level change ensures that families and children in Illinois are better served. We are proud to honor her with this award.”
Judge Buford’s legacy also includes service as president of both the Cook County Bar Association Foundation and the Illinois Judicial Council. Her work continues to influence policy, practice, and the lives of countless children and families.
The NCJFCJ also honored Judge Lori Bustamante of the Superior Court of Arizona in the Maricopa County Juvenile Department as the Innovator of the Year Award recipient for her groundbreaking initiative designed to empower youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety.