Institute for New Juvenile and Family Court Judges

The Institute for New Juvenile and Family Court Judges is designed specifically for state and tribal judicial officers who are new to the bench, newly assigned to a juvenile or family rotation, or who are returning to the juvenile and family court bench after other assignments and desire a refresher course. This intensive and interactive 4½ day program, previously known as Core College, is designed so participants can leave with increased knowledge, practical tools, and an essential foundation of best practice to use in the cases coming before them. A strong faculty of current and former judicial officers and content area experts from academic and applied settings will share their insight on child and adolescent development, schools and courts, the Indian Child Welfare Act, trauma-informed justice, abuse and neglect, delinquency, interpersonal violence, custody, divorce, self-represented litigants, ethical issues, judicial leadership, judicial safety and security, and dealing with the media. Judges will have a unique opportunity to meet and share with other bench officers around the country and create professional connections and networks for continual learning. This training will also prepare judicial scholars for participation in other NCJFCJ institutes that delve further into the topic areas of family law, delinquency, dependency, domestic violence, and judicial leadership. Highlighted topics include Judicial Ethics and Decision Making, Adults and Parenting, Child Development, Implicit Bias and Cultural Considerations, Best Practices in Child Welfare Cases, Juvenile Justice and Trauma-Informed Decision- Making, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Interviewing Children; Children as Witnesses, Self-Represented Litigants, and Judicial Leadership.