The Challenges of Family Court Service Reform

Abstract

Reforming family courts and court services remains a continuing and pervasive challenge, as described in the White Paper developed by the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System's Honoring Families Initiative. This commentary explores challenges to reforming court services and concludes that significant funding is needed to achieve long‐term, effective, and overarching change. The commentary also examines the proposition of community–court partnerships and suggests that (1) each community must tailor its program based on its needs and resources and (2) specific operational elements of a court services program, rather than its location, lead to effective service delivery. Key Points for the Family Court Community Sufficient funding of family court services is critical to effective service delivery. Although insufficient funding may not eliminate services, it may change the fundamental nature of the dispute resolution process. Services should be tailored based on the needs and resources of the community.