Study Finds New Guidelines Help Judges Better Serve Abused and Neglected Children and Their Families
Children who are removed from their parents for abuse or neglect allegations experience better outcomes when judges follow a set of decision-making guidelines during the initial removal hearing, according to a study released today by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ). Development of a benchcard containing the guidelines grew out of a national NCJFCJ initiative, Courts Catalyzing Change: Achieving Equity and Fairness in Foster Care (CCC). In partnership with Casey Family Programs and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, NCJFCJ member judges throughout the country are working to reduce the overrepresentation of children of color in the foster care system along with the disparate outcomes they and their families experience.
So they found when judges actually judge to a standard rather than just rubber stamping whatever the SW wants. Shouldn't it have been obvious years ago? I suggest they repeat it it with a standard that usher for the child's interest in his family over minor issues like perfect housing and perfect parental quality. It may be shocking when that study also shows better outcomes.
ReplyDelete