(Note: As I have done in past elections, I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Democratic primaries. This is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote in March. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. You can see other Q&As and further information about judicial candidates on my 2018 Judicial page.
Natalia Oakes
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
My name is Natalia Oakes. I’m an attorney and I’m running for Judge of the 313th (Juvenile) Family District Court. I was born in Beaumont, Texas and was raised in a big civic-minded family full of many uncles, aunts, cousins in Beaumont and New Orleans. I’ve lived in Houston since 1980. I graduated from Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University in New Orleans with a B.A. in English Literature with a teacher’s Certificate. I was awarded my law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of TSU. I taught school in Beaumont, New Orleans, Houston and Athens, Greece. My father worked hard and my parents stressed education. I am grateful for the honesty and integrity they taught me through example.
I have been working in Juvenile Court for 18 years. I joyfully interact daily with lawyers, judges, clients, probation officers, court personnel, assistant district attorneys, county attorneys, detention officers, interpreters and bailiffs.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
Juvenile Court presides over Juvenile delinquency cases from Misdemeanor B to 1st degree Felonies. Juvenile Court also hears CPS (Child Protective Service) cases involving abused and neglected children.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I want to focus on effective rehabilitative programs so the children do not come back into the adult system. Even with little support at home, juveniles can be guided to see their potential and contemplate a productive future. Juvenile Probation can track which programs work and which programs do not produce results. It is important to give young people tools to effect a positive change in their lives; to find a talent and cultivate it, to be introduced to areas of interest that they are not exposed to in their home environment. Every child has a special talent and must see their potential. We can maximize resources already in place like, community resources, and discard those that don’t produce results.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I’ve been working exclusively in Juvenile Family Court for 18 years. I work well with people. A Juvenile Judge deals with many entities (Juvenile Probation, CPS personnel, District Attorneys, County Attorneys, the Juvenile Board, Commissioners Court) and a judge can harm juveniles if a he/she alienates any of the groups. I can accomplish my goals of bringing effective change to the Harris County Juvenile System. I am the most qualified in this race and am ready on day one to implement needed changes.
5. Why is this race important?
When our children benefit, we all benefit. When our communities are safe from teenage crime, communities thrive.
6. Why should people vote for you in the March primary?
- I am a parent: I understand children
- I am a former school teacher: I understand the education system
- I’ve spent 18 years working in Juvenile Court years handling misdemeanors, felonies, adoptions and CPS (Children Protective Services) cases representing abused and neglected children and their parents: I understand the law.
My goals are to promote programs that produce results for the children and families of Harris County. These programs must be tracked to assess if children are being rehabilitated and families are accessing the services that they need in order to help them.
Every young person should be able to see their potential by being exposed to their unique talents/interests, be it academics, trade schools, vocations, mentoring, crafts, arts, animal husbandry, agriculture. This, in turn, helps self-esteem and leads to productivity.