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THE CONNECTICUT PROBATE COURTS

THE CONNECTICUT PROBATE 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

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THE CONNECTICUT PROBATE COURTS

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  1. THE CONNECTICUT PROBATE COURTS NEW HAVEN REGIONAL CHILDREN’S PROBATE COURT 2005

  2. PRESENTATION AREAS • Background – probate system • Reasons and needs • Components • Evaluation Implementation – Judge Forgione

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Hon. James J. Lawlor Commitment to improve management of children and mental health matters Goal: better serving the needs of our most vulnerable citizens

  6. CASEY FAMILY SERVICES • Statewide Study - management of the guardianship and custody cases • 2003 Casey Report - framework for regional children’s court

  7. 2003 – 2004 • Strategic Planning - research, academia and judicial experts • Intensive Training - children’s and legal issues • Establishment - pilot program • 2004 - 2005 • Demonstrated pilot success • Designated an official court • Authority for replication - 6

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. FAMILY PLAN • Probate 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

  13. INDEPENDENT EVALUATOR • Document/Monitor Regional Court: • Implemented as designed • Court’s effectiveness - 3 goals

  14. 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

  15. SUMMARY • Why and how • Planning • Structure • Effectiveness

  16. The heart of who we are . . .

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