July 9-11, 2012, in Phoenix, Arizona, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, in partnership with Futures Without Violence (formerly the Family Violence Prevention Fund) and with the support of the Office for Victims of Crimes (OVC), will offer a new three-day, highly interactive workshop that will help state court and tribal court judges enhance their skills and ability to respond to cases involving adolescents and relationship abuse.
A judge participating in this workshop will be better able to:
- Define adolescence and describe the impact of brain development and environmental factors on adolescent behaviors, particularly in cases of adolescent relationship abuse
- Identify the dynamics of adolescent relationship abuse, and the short and long term impact on victims and perpetrators
- Make distinctions between dynamics in violent adult relationships and adolescent relationships
- Identify effective outcomes for youth in an abusive relationships
- Assess risk factors in the adolescent cases you see, including the presence and impact of trauma
- Recognize protective factors that might enhance an individual youth’s resiliency, well-being, and safety
- Evaluate the utility, accuracy, comprehensiveness, and efficacy of youth assessments
- Select developmentally appropriate interventions and accountability mechanisms that recognize the circumstances unique to adolescent relationship abuse cases
- Rule on evidentiary issues particular to cases that involve adolescent parties
- Define the terms culture and cultural competence and enhance respect for the dynamics of difference in cases involving adolescent abuse
- Identify a judge’s role in the court and the community to promote healthy relationships amongst adolescents
- Initiate or enhance communication and collaboration amongst justice system and community partners to improve services for youth involved in adolescent abuse
The program is offered to participants free of charge. Complimentary breakfast and reception are available each day of the training. All participants are responsible for their own travel and per diem costs.
How do You Apply to Attend?
To apply for participation in this workshop, please complete the ARA Registration form (PDF) and fax to 775-784-6160. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that your application is not confirmed until you receive an acceptance letter via email.