Child Welfare and the Courts: A Statewide Study With Implications for Professional Development, Practice, and Change

Much anecdotal information exists about problems in courts adjudicating child welfare (CW) cases. However, little empirical research across courts, court divisions, and CW cases exists. Method: This study reports the results of a two-stage study of courts and the CW system. Stage 1 used direct, systematic court observations to identify critical features of effective and problematic courts. The second stage used interviews with judges, CWagency attorneys, and staff to identify factors that facilitate or impede timely safety and permanency decisions for children. Results: The results well document the need for making changes in the functioning of courts in CW cases. Implications for the continuing professional development of CW staff, improving the effectiveness of courts, CWpractice, and future research are discussed.