Resolution 22
In Support of Reauthorization of the Court Improvement Project

WHEREAS, the Conference of Chief Justices recognizes the importance of moving children in state custody to permanent and safe homes as quickly as possible through the efficient and effective handling of child abuse and neglect cases by the nation's courts; and

WHEREAS, in 1993, Congress created the Court Improvement Project (CIP), a grant program to assist state courts in improving their handling of child abuse and neglect cases. By passage of this legislation, Congress explicitly recognized the effect of federal mandates on the state judicial systems and provided funds directly to the highest court in each state; and

WHEREAS, Congress required that each state use its CIP funds in the first year to conduct an assessment, identify problems in processing child abuse and neglect cases, and develop strategies for addressing those problems. Subsequent year CIP funds have been to implement system improvements and evaluate the effectiveness of the improvements; and

WHEREAS, state courts have met the challenge of Congress. They completed comprehensive assessments and developed and implemented innovative solutions for improving court processes and procedures. Children across the country have benefited by this funding, as courts have been able to improve and expedite the processing of child abuse and neglect cases with the goal of placing children in permanent and safe homes; and

WHEREAS, states have combined the limited CIP funds with state and local dollars to make sweeping changes in the way they handle child abuse and neglect cases. The availability of CIP funds has stimulated a synergy among judicial, executive and private resources that has resulted in broad changes in how state courts handle child abuse and neglect cases. The CIP funds continue to be a critical factor in improving the attention these cases need;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference urges Congress to reauthorize the Court Improvement Project beginning with FY 2002.

Adopted as proposed by the Courts, Children and Family Committee of the Conference of Chief Justices in Baltimore, Maryland at the 24th Midyear Meeting on January 25, 2001.

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