NCJ Number
140642
Date Published
1992
Length
95 pages
Annotation
This analysis of families that come to court for divorce, juvenile delinquency, or child abuse and neglect matters; revealed that a significant proportion of these families had been to court for another family-related matter during the previous 5 years; and indicated the need to establish single forums for addressing family matters and to coordinate court actions in family cases.
Abstract
Data were gathered from three courts in New Jersey, Virginia, and Utah by means of interviews with court personnel, a survey of adult clients of the three courts, and an analysis of court records. In addition, 150 court locations nationwide were surveyed to determine mechanisms being used to coordinate cases. Findings supported the need for case coordination and revealed that States have addressed issues of jurisdiction, structure, procedure, and administrative support in integrating child and family legal proceedings. Further actions that seem logical for State legislatures are to enable courts to develop effective management information systems, mandate and fund specialized training for juvenile and family court judges, provide for the effective coordination of substantive services ordered by the court, and support mediation and other alternatives to adversarial processes in family cases. Tables, figures, descriptions of programs in specific States, and 28 references