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Publication Date: August 2003
Publisher: Center for Law and Social Policy
Author(s): Rutledge Q. Hutson
Research Area:
Type: Brief
Coverage: United States
Abstract:
The new Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care is developing recommendations to improve court oversight of child welfare cases and to facilitate better, more timely decisions related to childrens safety, permanence, and well-being.
This memo offers three suggestions to the Commission: (1) designate specially trained judges to hear child welfare cases; (2) ensure that everyone involved in the child welfare cases has an opportunity to be heard; and (3) provide comprehensive training to judges, lawyers, guardians ad litem, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and related court personnelnot only about the legal issues involved in child welfare cases, but also about child development, family dynamics, substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence.