Resolutions

Policy Statements & Resolutions

Resolution 10
In Support of Funding for Strengthening Abuse and Neglect Courts Act

WHEREAS, the Conference of Chief Justices recognizes the importance of securing safe, permanent homes for children; and

WHEREAS, the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) provides structure and accountability critical to ensuring that our nation's children are cared for in safe, permanent homes; and

WHEREAS, state courts are committed to the effective implementation of ASFA; and

WHEREAS, historically state courts have not been included in the allocation of federal funding, despite the need for federal funding to assure effective implementation of the responsibilities assigned to them by Congress under ASFA; and

WHEREAS, Congress in 2001 enacted legislation-P. L. 106-314, known as the Strengthening Abuse and Neglect Courts Act (SANCA)-that will assist state courts in the implementation of ASFA; and

WHEREAS, the laudatory goals and objectives of the legislation included 1) developing automated tracking systems, 2) reducing case backlogs, 3) increased training for judges and non-judicial personnel, 4) providing best practices information and 5) increased support for guardian ad litem programs, such as Court Appointed Special Advocate programs; and

WHEREAS, Congress appropriated partial funding for FY 2002 for SANCA;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference urges Congress to increase the appropriated funds to the authorized levels in P. L. 106-314 so as to provide the needed federal funding to assist state courts in implementing the provisions of ASFA.

Adopted as proposed by the Courts, Children and the Family Committee of the Conference of Chief Justices at the 25th Midyear Meeting in Tucson, Arizona on January 24, 2002.