NCJ Number
153922
Journal
Judges' Journal Volume: 33 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1994) Pages: 11-12,14-15,36-39
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Data from large counties in three States and from a survey of 150 courts throughout the country were studied to improve understanding of how domestic cases are handled and to identify innovative practices and procedures and procedures that could be used to manage cases involving families who repeatedly encounter the judicial system.
Abstract
The analysis focused on Hudson County (N.J.), Fairfax County (Va.), and Salt Lake County (Utah), as well as the national sample. Questionnaires were mailed to two officials at each of the 150 locations. responses came from 195 officials by May 1992. Results revealed that nearly all participants agreed that knowing about related cases involving the family is important. Although States with family courts do not agree on jurisdiction, most make an effort to keep family members with the same judge. Fourteen percent were very satisfied with the current ability of courts to coordinate cases involving the same family, 42 percent were satisfied, and 42 percent were not satisfied. Participants listed a wide variety of programs and procedures to increase case coordination. Findings clearly revealed that coordination among court cases involving the family is essential and that establishing family courts that bring various types of cases involving the family into one setting facilitates but does not guarantee coordination. Tables and footnotes