NCJ Number
150007
Journal
Judges' Journal Volume: 33 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1994) Pages: 10-16,38
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes the training and planning required for judges to manage their courts in ways that meet the needs of the elderly and the disabled who are involved in court proceedings.
Abstract
The article advises that judges and court personnel must be trained to understand the nature of the aging process and the range of disabilities so they are better able to tailor court facilities and proceedings to senior citizens and disabled persons. The State Justice Institute offers a training seminar that instructs court personnel in how to appraise the court-related needs of the elderly and the disabled, the changing demographics of older people and disabled persons, the identification of basic human service concepts, and the various surrogate decisionmaking methods available for older persons. Other training topics are the best practices, techniques, and technologies that will facilitate court access for the elderly and the disabled, the identification of potential resources, and the design of an action plan to increase court accessibility for the elderly and disabled. Another section of the article addresses human service concepts relevant to court services for the elderly and disabled. The two concepts discussed are the least restrictive alternative and the enhancement of autonomy. The article also discusses surrogate decisionmaking, the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act, and the planning process. The planning process focuses on physical facilities and staff practices.