Short History of Jurisdiction Over Juvenile and Family Matters (From From Children to Citizens, V 2 - The Role of the Juvenile Court, P 229-250, 1987, Francis X Hartmann, ed. - See NCJ-106014)

• NCJ Number: 106025
• Author(s): B Flicker
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: Springer-Verlag
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper traces the historical and social forces that have produced the current fragmentation in jurisdiction over juvenile and family matters and suggests a framework for organizational reform.

Abstract

At present jurisdiction over juvenile crime, status offenses, child abuse and neglect, matrimonial actions, termination of parental rights, and adoption is split among criminal, civil, juvenile, and probate courts. A similar fragmentation exists in the provision of juvenile and family services. To remedy this problem, the American Bar Association has recommended that all cases involving families be assigned to a single court with comprehensive jurisdiction over all family matters. The traditional juvenile court jurisdiction would be included in a family court division of the highest court of general trial jurisdiction. The court would consider all legal issues relating to all members of the same family, and a single worker would coordinate all services to each family before the court. In addition to these reforms, it is suggested that the family court be part of a unified court system, have exclusive jurisdiction over all juvenile and family matters, and provide appropriate training for personnel and measures to ensure confidentiality. 45 references.