Judges and court officers set the tone for their courtrooms and for the court processes that are so critical to child welfare decision-making. In many jurisdictions, judges have led court improvement efforts that have not only improved the timeliness of court decisions but also created a climate of mutual respect and shared commitment to best practice that can positively contribute to worker satisfaction and stability. Resources include State and local examples.
Back to Basics: Fundamental Application of the Resource Guidelines and the Adoption and Permanency Guidelines in Child Abuse and Neglect Cases (PDF - 153 KB)
Barnes (2006)
Provides examples of practice and strategies used by courts to address the best practices designed to improve each stage of the child abuse and neglect case that were outlined in two benchbooks for judges. The brief focuses on four concepts and includes a large section on judicial leadership.
Delivering on the Promise: Promoting Court Capacity to Improve Outcomes for Abused and Neglected Children: A Primer for Policymakers (PDF - 640 KB)
National Conference of State Legislatures (2007)
Presents background information about courts that hear child dependency cases and identifies potential State legislative strategies to promote judicial accountability and greater collaboration with child welfare agencies.
Judicial Leadership to Ensure Sound Permanency Decisions for Children in Foster Care: Practical Guidelines for Juvenile and Family Courts (PDF - 704 KB)
National Council For Adoption
Adoption Advocate, 2, 2006
Focuses on the leadership role of juvenile and family court judges in providing right and timely placements for foster children.
State and local examples
Judicial Leadership and Child Protection (PDF - 81 KB)
Center for Public Policy Priorities Home at Last Project
CPPP Policy Brief, 2007
Addresses the limitations on judicial leadership in Texas and discusses where judicial leadership is not only appropriate, but also necessary.