Judge Ana España Named 2025 Wilmont Sweeney Juvenile Court Judge of the Year

San Diego County Judge Ana España received the Wilmont Sweeney Juvenile Court Judge of the Year award for 2025 from the Juvenile Court Judges of California (JCJC), a section of the California Judges Association. The JCJC presented the award at its annual meeting on May 15. 

The Wilmont Sweeney award, named for the late judge from the Alameda Superior Court, honors judicial officers who exemplify leadership and innovative dedication to California’s youth.

Judge España has presided over the juvenile court in San Diego County since 2018. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed her to the bench in 2008. Prior to her appointment, Judge España served as a deputy public defender with the Primary Public Defender of San Diego County and created a specialized unit to represent children in the dependency system.

Judge España champions a “Kin-First” culture in San Diego’s child welfare system to prioritize the placement of children with relatives and extended family. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero highlighted this effort throughout the state in her 2025 State of the Judiciary Address, citing a 10% increase in safe family placements in San Diego County.

“Placement with kin, whenever possible, helps ease the pain of removal from a parent and is so important to a child's well-being," said Judge España. "I am thankful to my colleagues and our justice partners who have worked so hard to increase our kin placements and hope to do even better as we continue our work together.”

Judge España also holds town halls and works collaboratively with local agencies and Native American tribes in the county. “By integrating culturally appropriate services, I believe there is more youth/family buy-in and it's more meaningful and relevant to the youth and family. And frankly, it’s just a matter of respect as well,” Judge España said of partnering with tribes in a 2024 interview.

Judge España developed the Youth Justice Collaborative in San Diego County to provide a forum for justice partners to address issues in the juvenile court system and leads the San Diego County Child and Family Strengthening Advisory Board, whose mission is to encourage cross-sector collaboration and support the needs of children, youth, and families in the child welfare system.

“Throughout her career, Judge España has embodied the values of compassion, integrity, and visionary leadership,” said Presiding Judge Maureen Hallahan of the San Diego Superior Court. “Her influence reaches beyond San Diego, making her a respected figure throughout California. She continues to shape juvenile law and policy, always putting the well-being of youth at the forefront.”

In addition to her current role on the bench, Judge España serves as chair of the JCJC. She also serves as a member of the Judicial Council’s Family and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee and the Juvenile Law Curriculum Committee for the Center for Judicial Education and Research.

See past recipients of the Wilmont Sweeney Juvenile Court Judge of the Year Award.