Look to NCSC for training
and assistance that improves the courts’ response to violence
against women
#1 Education and
Training
The
National Center for State Courts is a leading resource for judicial
and court management training. NCSC’s Institute for Court Management
(ICM) has provided training to thousands of administrators, clerks,
judges, and other personnel from the courts in the United States and
internationally. In addition to traditional instructional methods, ICM
offers “e-learning” through videoconferencing, WebCT (self-paced
Internet learning program), and “live” Web courses. ICM conducts
“live” Web courses on a variety of subjects, such as firearms and
domestic violence, workplace domestic violence policies, and access to
court records policies. ICM also delivers courses on violence against
women issues related to the courts.
#2 Expertise in Court
Operations and Specialized Dockets
NCSC’s
hands-on experience in the courts enables staff to assist states in
considering the advantages and disadvantages of specialized dockets
and alternatives to specialized dockets. The National Center is also
exploring ways to apply the principles and methods of problem-solving
courts to general jurisdiction courts. NCSC, which conducted the only
national survey of domestic violence case management in the courts,
continues to study the operations and effectiveness of domestic
violence courts in both urban and rural settings.
#3 Implementing and
Evaluating Technology
The
technology staff has expertise in areas such as systems and network
design, assessment of existing software and network infrastructures,
and evaluation of cost-effective solutions for court automation. NCSC
develops functional requirements for case management systems,
including domestic violence case management systems. NCSC staff are
leading the national discussion on access to court records, an issue
of primary importance to survivors of sexual assault, domestic
violence, and stalking. Additionally, NCSC has both designed and
evaluated protection order databases, such as Pennsylvania’s
Protection from Abuse Database.
#4
Coordinated Community Responses
Coordinated
community responses to violence against women have been shown to be
effective in improving both victim safety and offender accountability.
NCSC has experience in the development and maintenance of systemic
approaches, which typically include the courts, law enforcement,
prosecution, probation and corrections, social service agencies, and
community-based service providers. NCSC staff work to develop
multidisciplinary and team-oriented approaches. For instance, NCSC’s
regional meetings on Full Faith and Credit reached a broad audience
and initiated a conversation on the interstate provisions of orders of
protection.
#5
Court-Based Resources on Violence Against Women
NCSC’s
Knowledge and Information Services has numerous online resource guides
for the courts that address a variety of family violence related
issues. Examples of resources include summaries of best or promising
practices, model court programs, specialized benchbooks, and current
research reports. All resources can be accessed through the NCSC Web
site (www.ncsconline.org). The NCSC
Knowledge and Information Services also serves as a national
clearinghouse to the courts by reviewing over 300 periodicals.
NCSC Staff Expertise
NCSC’s
staff has a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience to offer those
seeking to improve or evaluate how state courts handle family violence
cases.
Pamela
M. Casey, Ph.D.
Dr.
Casey has conducted national-scope research on trial court
performance, therapeutic jurisprudence, and the organization and
provision of health, mental health, and social welfare services to
court-related populations.
Denise O. Dancy
Ms.
Dancy has been involved in organizations centered on child and family
needs, advocacy, and court processes. She has researched
behavioral impact of long-term foster care in abuse and neglect cases.
Madelynn M. Herman
Ms.
Herman provides technical assistance on child dependency, family
courts, child custody, juvenile justice, and domestic violence topics.
Lynn S. Levey, J.D.
Ms.
Levey provides technical assistance related to the Violence Against
Women Act, including Full Faith and Credit and firearms. Ms.
Levey has worked on the GREEN-BOOK project, an initiative designed to
improve child protective service and domestic violence agency response
to families.
Dawn
Marie Rubio, J.D.
Ms.
Rubio has expertise in family law, juvenile dependency, child welfare,
domestic relations, domestic violence, drug courts, problem-solving
courts, and court programs.
Martha Wade Steketee
Ms.
Steketee has experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, and
advocacy programs for children in the protection system.
Brenda
K. Uekert, Ph.D.
Dr.
Uekert specializes in criminal justice programs and coordinated
community responses. She has directed evaluations of Violence Against
Women Act programs, including the Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies
program.
Contact
NCSC about technical assistance or contract consulting services. Call
800-616-6164 for more information.
Top
|
