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Judicial Branch Advisory Committee on Children and Families

Advisory Committee on Children and Families (PDF)

Type: Standing Committee
Updated:  February 23, 2007; Formerly known as: Court Services Advisory Committee
Chair:     Hon. Rick Lawrence
Report Date: September 14, 2007 and as requested
Reports to:    Chief Judge of the District Court

 

I. Purpose: 

The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to assist the Chief Judge of the District Court in evaluation, modification, and oversight of court sponsored services and projects relating to children and families within the Judicial Branch.  The Advisory Committee will

A. Review court sponsored services and projects relating to children and families, including, but not limited to, parent education and training;

B. Review the state of the GAL usage by the Judicial Branch, and assess how best to deliver GAL services:

1. Identify needed improvements in services and projects including GAL services;
2. Assess the recruitment, selection, evaluation, and complaint processes for GALS; and
3. Prioritize any needed improvements in services and projects, including the GAL services;

C. Develop budget information to support proposals and recommendations;

D. Draft policies and proposed rule or statutory changes to support recommendations;

E. Make recommendations regarding CIP funds; and F. Make other recommendations to the Chief Judge of the District Court. 

II. Authority:

The Advisory Committee may seek input, suggestions, and recommendations from individuals and groups within and outside of the Judicial Branch.  The Advisory Committee is authorized to study procedures and alternative structures for providing court sponsored services and projects relating to children and families, including, but not limited to, GAL services. The Advisory Committee may invite consultants to the meetings as needed. The Advisory Committee may, through its Chair, request such additional authority from the Chief Justice as may prove necessary to achieve the Advisory Committee’s purpose.  There is no funding authorized for the work of the Advisory Committee.

III. Membership:

The Chief Judge of the District Court appoints members.  Members serve three-year terms and may be reappointed for additional terms. Hon. Rick Lawrence shall serve as Advisory Committee Chair.

IV. Meetings:

The Advisory Committee will meet on a schedule established by the Chair and approved by the Committee.  The Advisory Committee will meet no less than twice a year.

V. Reporting:

The Advisory Committee will submit a written report, including its recommendations and identification of resource needs, to the Chief Judge of the District Court on or before September 14, 2007.  The Chief Judge will submit the Advisory Committee’s report along with any supplemental information or comment to the Supreme Judicial Court on or before October 31, 2007.   Thereafter, the Advisory Committee will submit written reports as requested by the Chief Judge of the District Court. The Advisory Committee will report to the Supreme Judicial Court as requested.

VI. Committee Duration:

The Advisory Committee on Children and Families will be a standing committee of the Judicial Branch.

Dated: February 23, 2007

Approved by: Leigh I. Saufley, Chief Justice

 

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