NCJ Number
160073
Date Published
1992
Length
141 pages
Annotation
This study was designed to fill the gap in research concerning the handling of child abuse and neglect cases in juvenile courts by describing and documenting how the Hamilton County, Ohio, Juvenile Court implemented "permanency planning reforms" to achieve permanent and safe homes for maltreated children.
Abstract
It was found that the Hamilton County Juvenile Court has efficient staffing and is organized to fulfill the new functions required of juvenile courts in child protection cases. Hearings are conducted by experienced referees who have been recruited through an informal process in which merit is the predominant consideration. Referees spend a relatively large proportion of their time actually hearing cases and also spend substantial time reviewing reports and completing paperwork. Hamilton County has an effective caseflow management system for child protection cases, and the style of court hearings is appropriate to the court's judicial oversight function. Hamilton County has implemented most of the mandated permanency planning reforms to a degree not matched by other juvenile courts. The county's success is based on the following key elements: tight statutory framework so that children do not remain adrift in unplanned foster care; strong commitment from the juvenile court judge and other staff to meet individual needs of children and to achieve safe permanent placements for maltreated children; selection and retention of highly qualified referees; organized and qualified administrative staff; and application of judicial caseflow management principles to child protection litigation. Appendixes contain court-related and computer information forms. 54 references and 9 figures