The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges last week reviewed Allen County Superior Court’s Family Division. The council made suggestions and offered criticisms per request of the court to help better serve families and children.
The review is known as a “trauma audit,”and looks in depth at court procedures and overall experience in the family court system.
The study is the first trauma audit undertaken of an Indiana court. The National Council provided consultants at no cost. Consultants will deliver a report in late March, detailing how the Superior Court can better serve those in the court system.
Allen Superior Court says promoting awareness of trauma-informed care is a priority and the impact of trauma on the development of youth.
"If we’re serious about helping families and children, the court needs to understand how its operation might complicate or appropriately address those issues,” said Allen Superior Court Judge Charles Pratt. “To become trauma informed and better meet the needs of our community, we need to know what we’re doing right – and where we can improve.”
The court also recently launched Family Recovery Court for families in Children In Need of Services cases that involve substance abuse and addiction.
“It’s hard for someone who hasn’t experienced trauma to know on their own how to navigate these situations,” Pratt said. “Ultimately, we want people to get help. But if we do things in a way that’s not informed, they might not. This is really about building trust and understanding.”
“It’s hard for someone who hasn’t experienced trauma to know on their own how to navigate these situations,” Judge Pratt said. “Ultimately, we want people to get help. But if we do things in a way that’s not informed, they might not. This is really about building trust and understanding.”