Cheri Tarutani, LCSW

I've been a child welfare social worker, a custody evaluator, and a child welfare mediator.  I've seen the effects of families that are overwhelmed with the legal system. I don't believe court systems are great interventions for healing or helping families in the long run.  Parents are the best people to make decisions for their children.  Having the court decide the fate of a child should be a last resort.  I want to help families to overcome their challenges in a less adversarial way, one that helps them now and for the future.   

For the sake of children, I would love the opportunity to help parents heal and move forward.
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Cheri's approach is based on a social work perspective and restorative justice principles. Cheri's experience includes:

• Child Welfare Services Social Worker, Designated Family Drug Court Social Worker
  
• Mediator for child welfare cases
• Custody Evaluator, Parenting Coordinator, Custody Guardian Ad Litem
• Project Manager, Hawaii Child Welfare Education Collaboration
• Faculty/Instructor, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work

Cheri received a Bachelor's in Women's Studies from the University of California at Los Angeles and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers Hawaii Chapter and Board Member of Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice.

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