10/05/2025
What is a Family Court Judge’s perspective on the impact of incarceration on families, especially children, when the mother is behind bars?
In this episode of My Cotton Patch Moment, I sit down with retired Florida Circuit Judge Tonya Rainwater, a trailblazing leader who presided over every division of the 18th Judicial Circuit from 1991 to 2019 and helped establish Brevard County’s first drug court.
Twice elected chief judge, Rainwater spearheaded programs like the Rainwater Center for Girls, offering a lifeline to juvenile girls in crisis and reshaping approaches to justice with compassion.
She reflects on the moment she chose law as her path and how years on the bench taught her that listening with empathy can be a judge’s most powerful tool.
From witnessing children torn between unsafe homes and the hope of adoption, to celebrating the joy of “forever families,” her stories reveal both heartbreak and healing.
She speaks candidly about addiction and incarceration, sharing why drug courts and education offer a way forward when prison alone cannot.
Judge Rainwater recalls the powerful moments when former juveniles returned years later to thank her—proof that compassion, second chances, and community support can truly change lives.
This episode dives deep into justice reform, equity, family bonds, and the human side of the court system.
Whether you’re passionate about juvenile justice reform, drug court innovation, or community mentorship, Judge Rainwater’s wisdom and heart will inspire you to see the humanity behind the headlines.
https://sites.libsyn.com/455796/balancing-the-scales-judge-tonya-rainwaters-reflections-on-justice-and-equity
