North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts

The meeting focused primarily on updates regarding post-adoption contact mediation, noting that four cases were mediated with two more in the pipeline. Key procedural questions discussed included whether a judge can modify a draft agreement, the effective date of agreements when parties are difficult to locate, and issues surrounding the notarization process where initial guidance from DSS proved incorrect. The committee also addressed clarity needed regarding the presence of Rule 17 Guardians ad Litem during mediation sessions. Separately, statistics for custody mediation were reviewed, highlighting the transition from Casewise to Enterprise Justice, demonstrating steady case volumes year-over-year, and noting an increase in orientation attendance. A significant point of discussion was the limitation of current data tracking, which may underreport successful resolutions finalized through consent orders following mediation.

This report details the work of the Chief Justice's Task Force on ACEs-Informed Courts, established to enable Judicial Branch stakeholders to understand the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Adverse Community Environments (ACEs) on children and to develop strategies for addressing adverse consequences within the North Carolina court system. The plan focuses on providing practical education, equipping juvenile court officials, identifying and designing new trauma-informed programs such as recovery courts, family courts, Safe Babies Courts, and School Justice Partnerships, and expanding education resources. The overarching goal is to prevent the long-term negative effects of trauma, improve outcomes for justice-involved individuals, reduce recidivism, and foster healthier, safer communities.

The meeting included introductions and recognition of new and outgoing commissioners. Key discussions focused on initiatives from the Justice and Public Safety Agency. The Department of Public Safety provided an overview of its 2025-2027 initiatives, including challenges with juvenile detention capacity, staffing vacancies (especially in DJJDP), and efforts regarding violence prevention. The Administrative Office of the Courts detailed technology initiatives, such as the expansion of eCourts, the public-facing Portal, and the CRAVE system for remote proceedings, as well as updates on Recovery Courts. The Department of Adult Correction highlighted significant operational capacity issues due to staff vacancies and retention challenges, despite recruiting success, noting low Correctional Officer salaries and the aging offender population. A major legislative focus involved summarizing the 2025 General Assembly session's impact, particularly new felony provisions (Classes A-D, E-G, H-I) and punishment enhancements, along with analysis of the bill removing the presumption for concurrent sentences. Updates were also provided on the accuracy and trends of the Prison Population Projection, the Juvenile Detention Center (YDC) Population Projection, and the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program (SMCP) capacity projection. Finally, updates were given on the Sentencing Practices Subcommittee and the newly formed Drug Offense Classification Subcommittee.

The meeting of the NC Judicial Branch COVID-19 Task Force addressed concerns about the logistics of reopening courts on June 1st, including managing courtroom and courthouse occupancy to ensure social distancing. The discussion covered the need for clear messaging to the public and lawyers about the phased expansion of court functions, the importance of following public health protocols, and the availability of protective equipment like masks and gloves. Concerns were raised about the legal requirements for face masks, the safety of inmates and lawyers, and the challenges of limited staffing in clerk's offices. The task force also considered administrative calendars, security measures, and the need for coordination with local sheriffs to maintain a safe environment as court operations expand.

The meeting included discussions and updates on legislative sessions, a review of proposed offenses and punishment changes, and an update on bills related to COVID-19. Key topics included the appropriation of funds for justice and public safety, modifications to criminal judgments, and potential changes to criminal prosecution immunity. The session also covered new felony bills, misdemeanor offenses, and potential staff positions for the Sentencing Commission.