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 What is covered under this topic?
This topic area covers innovative policies and practices that promote informed decision-making and holistic, integrated family justice. CCS seeks to provide information on “what works” in the area of family justice and to help courts to
(1) identify and develop community resources that support coordinated approaches to family justice, (2) improve coordination of cases across courts and social service agencies, (3) develop and hone the distinct skill sets necessary for judges to foster an integrated approach to family justice, and (4) support efforts of juvenile courts to advance collaborative problem-solving.
Why is this a priority for the courts?
Both empirical and anecdotal evidence indicates that many families in
crisis access court services multiple times through a variety of avenues, often simultaneously. Frequently, the resolution of family cases requires
the family and its members to appear before a number of judges or other court officers multiple times over many years. Beyond the logistical challenges (e.g., missing school or work, arranging for daycare) that these multiple contacts can create for a family already in crisis, they also can lead to contradictory orders and further exacerbate the family’s situation. One judge may order visitation without realizing that another judge has issued a restraining order barring contact with a child. The extensive service needs of these cases further complicate court responses to them.
According to the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA), “In too many circumstances, the system continues to view family disputes through the adversarial lens of legal cases to be decided, not as emotionally charged, conflict-laden cases composed of multiple issues needing resolution.” A coordinated, problem-solving approach to these families is critical to addressing and effectively resolving their issues. Courts cannot do this alone. They must reach out to local service providers to develop effective responses and to ensure that families do not fall between the cracks of court jurisdictions and service agencies.
References
**To explore ways to improve your performance in this area, see Implement Solutions.
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