Court Orientation Program
Intended Audience
- Youth
Targeted Age Group(s)
- 13-17
- 18 or older
QIC-EY Engagement Model Components (i) The engagement model components were identified through the QIC-EY Environmental Scan as critical to the support of youth engagement in the attainment of permanence.
- Support Youth Empowerment
- Enhance Court Practices
Description
The Monroe County Family Court (Rochester, New York) is committed to offering meaningful support to children and youth regarding their judicial involvement, whether or not they are appearing in court. The Youth-In-Court Orientation Program is a voluntary, two-hour program for children 14 years of age and older who have been placed in out-of-home care due to an abuse or neglect proceeding. The goal of the program is to provide information about the Planned Permanency Hearing (PPH) Court process and the roles of the professionals responsible for the child’s safety, well-being and permanency.
The program contains:
- Information about the court process and other supports that help to decrease anxiety about coming to court.
- A multi-disciplinary panel discussion to discuss expectations and procedures of a Planned Permanency Hearing.
- A court tour of areas within the court house such as children’s center, lobby, etc.
- Experience being in a courtroom.
- Discussion about appropriate courtroom behavior, attire and communication.
- An opportunity for questions and answers.
- An ice-breaker BINGO activity in which youth are able to win prizes.
- A scripted mock Planned Permanency Hearing in which the youth are able to play the roles of different professionals.
Implementation Considerations
Prior to the Youth-In-Court Orientation event, a multi-disciplinary team of child welfare professionals met to have several planning meetings to discuss needs and expectations. During the orientation, each individual from the planning team had a specific role assigned to them to ensure the program ran smoothly. Following completion of the orientation, youth were asked to complete an evaluation to assess strength, needs and outcomes.
