Improving the Juvenile and Family Courts' Handling of Child Abuse and Neglect Cases: A Model Training and Technical Assistance Program Continuation Project

The Child Victims Act Model Courts (VAMC) Project facilitates national implementation of replicable, innovative reforms and 'best practices' in how juvenile and family courts, social service agencies, and the broader child welfare community respond to child abuse and neglect cases. Experience gained through this Project in the development, implementation, and sustainability of long-term systems change demonstrates that reforms begin at the local level and are then disseminated regionally and nationally. Working with the Permanency Planning for Children Department (PPCD) of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), the 28 jurisdictions in this Project continually assess their child abuse and neglect case processing, focus on emerging barriers to timely permanency, develop and institute plans for court and agency improvement, and work collaboratively to effect systems change. By providing carefully integrated and highly specific training and technical assistance to the Model Courts, facilitating mentorship and the diffusion of innovation from these Model Courts to other jurisdictions within their state, and disseminating information and technical assistance nationally about Model Court innovations and experiences, this Project assists jurisdictions nationwide to improve practice and policy and to achieve sustainable systemwide reform and improved outcomes for the safety, permanency, and well-being of children.
NCA/NCF