THE CONNECTICUT THE CONNECTICUT PROBATE COURTSPROBATE COURTS

NEW HAVEN REGIONAL CHILDREN’S PROBATE COURT

2005

PRESENTATION AREAS

• Background – probate system• Reasons and needs• Components • Evaluation

Implementation – Judge Forgione

BACKGROUND

• 123 Probate Courts in Connecticut• 10,000 Children’s matters handled in the Probate Court System

Some courts process hundreds while others handle few posing a complex challenge

KEY ISSUES

• Increase in volume and complexity of children’s cases• Families in need of more services

Probate Court Children:•Experienced high level of instability

• 66% had 2 different placements• 25% had 3 different primary caretakers

•Various mental health and physical issues

Commitment to improve management of children and mental health matters

Goal: better serving the needs of our most vulnerable citizens

Hon. James J. Lawlor

• Statewide Study - management of the guardianship and custody cases

• 2003 Casey Report - framework for regional children’s court

CASEY FAMILY SERVICES

2004 - 2005 • Demonstrated pilot success• Designated an official court• Authority for replication - 6

2003 – 2004 • Strategic Planning - research, academia and judicial experts

• Intensive Training - children’s and legal issues

• Establishment - pilot program

The mission of the Regional Children’s Probate Court is the safety, permanency and well-being

of the children and families the court serves

GOALS• Divert children and families from the child welfare system

• Improve case management and service delivery

• Empower families – engaged, active caretakers

KEY ELEMENT

Probate Court Officer:• Master’s Level – therapists and social workers• Case management and coordination• Post decree monitoring • Professional analysis – family dynamics• Assist families to maintain/regain custody

FAMILY CASE CONFERENCES

• Intervene Early – work with the families to resolve current issues and prevent future issues

• Empower Families – and include families in the process

• Strengths Based Approach – assist family to find resolution to problems – identify resources and provide support services

FAMILY CASE CONFERENCES• Initial Case Conference – within two weeks of the

filing of the petition:• Educational • Opportunity to be heard – identify issues• Family Plan development

FAMILY PLANProbate Court Officers work with the family to

ensure the plan:• Realistic• In the best interest of the child• Identifies barriers

Approach helps families function at their best and ensures the safety and stability of the placement

INDEPENDENT EVALUATOR

Document/Monitor Regional Court:

• Implemented as designed

• Court’s effectiveness - 3 goals

ACHIEVEMENT OF COURT’S MISSION

One Year Follow Up Report:

• Children’s Safety: no reports of guardian abuse or neglect

• Children’s Permanency: children remain in court appointed placements

• Children’s Well-being: positive reports show

66% increased grades

92% behaved well in school

80% involved in community activities

Lee, J.and Dore, M; A Study of the State of Connecticut’s Pilot New Haven Regional Children’s Probate Court Evaluation Report , 2005

SUMMARY • Why and how • Planning • Structure • Effectiveness

The heart of who we are . . .