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Journal
of the Center for Families, Children & the Courts
Cover
and Introduction in PDF format
From
the Mexican California Frontier to Arnold-Kennick: Highlights in the Evolution
of the California Juvenile Court,
1850-1961
Diane Nunn & Christine Cleary
The authors trace the threads of juvenile law reform from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th, when California passed the Arnold-Kennick Juvenile Court Law, presaging the revolutionary reforms ushered in by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in In re Gault. They highlight key legislation and case law, placing developments in context with the politics and public sentiment of the time.
Rethinking
a "Knowing, Intelligent, and Voluntary Waiver" in Massachusetts'
Juvenile Courts
Barbara Kaban & Judith C. Quinlan
Using the results of an empirical study they conducted of court-involved children's knowledge of legal terminology, the authors suggest ways to enhance children's understanding of plea proceedings and provide information to judges so they can certify, with confidence, that a child's plea is knowing, intelligent, and voluntary.
Mediation
in Child Protection Cases
Hon. Leonard P. Edwards
Judge Edwards gives an overview of child protection proceedings, describes the judge's role in those proceedings, and then details the shortcomings of the traditional adversarial process in resolving child protection and related family issues. He introduces mediation as a viable alternative and discusses best practices for a successful mediation program.
Information
Needs in Juvenile Dependency Court
Don Will, Alexa Hirst & Alison Neustrom
The Expanding Role of the Juvenile Court in Determining Educational Outcomes for Foster ChildrenThe authors review current efforts to define data standards for juvenile dependency court, review available sources of information on children in the dependency system, and identify key research and performance issues in California that an information system for juvenile dependency must address.
Ana España & Tracy Fried
After reviewing the literature on educational outcomes for foster children and discussing their particular challenges, the authors argue that shortcomings in training, advocacy, and systemwide coordination efforts impede foster children's educational achievement. They review new legislative initiatives and discuss the expanding role of the juvenile court in addressing educational issues.
Effective
Management of Parental Substance Abuse in Dependency Cases
Hon. James R. Milliken, (Ret.) & Gina Rippel
The authors propose that effective case management and immediate treatment for substance-abusing parents can improve outcomes for children who entered the dependency system because of their parents' drug and alcohol problems. The San Diego County Dependency Court Recovery Project is presented as a successful, cost-effective model program.
A
Systematic Review of the Impact of Court Appointed Special Advocates
Davin Youngclarke, Kathleen Dyer Ramos & Lorraine Granger-Merkle
This systematic review analyzes the results of 20 studies, both published and unpublished, assessing the impact of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The authors report that the evidence suggests CASA programs have a favorable impact on some important process indicators.
Principles
of Child Development and Juvenile Justice: Information for Decision-Makers
David E. Arredondo
Dr. Arredondo argues that to protect public safety, prevent youthful offending, and promote positive social development in children and adolescents, decision-makers must understand and apply principles of child development to tailor developmentally appropriate sanctions. He suggests sanctioning strategies for special juvenile offender populations.
ISSUES FORUM
Juveniles and the Death Penalty: Exploring the Issues in Roper v. Simmons
With its recent decision barring the death penalty for juveniles, the U.S. Supreme Court set precedent but did not end the debate. To further expand and refine the national conversation on the issue, this Issues Forum includes a brief discussion of the issues presented in the state and Supreme Court cases and the entire oral argument held in the Supreme Court on the Roper v. Simmons case.
PERSPECTIVES
Judge Edwards shares his views on the juvenile court and the children and families it serves.
Can You Hear Me? A Collection of Poetry by Youth in California's Court System
Poems in this collection were submitted to CFCC's 2003. Children's Art and Poetry Contest, which was open to youth of any age who had experience with the court system.
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