Increased Funding and Technology for Child Welfare Courts Continuity.
This Act increases funding for the Court Improvement Program by $10 million to modernize the judicial child welfare system, focusing on foster care and adoption proceedings. The funds may be used for technology to ensure the continuity of remote hearings and legal representation during crises like natural disasters or cyber-attacks. The goal is to ensure that cases involving children and families proceed efficiently with maximum participation and privacy protection.
Key points
Increases annual funding authorization for the Court Improvement Program (CIP) from $30 million to $40 million to modernize foster care and adoption proceedings.
Clarifies that funds may be used for technology supporting remote hearings and legal representation to prevent court disruptions during emergencies.
Requires the development of best practices for remote hearings that maximize participant engagement and protect the privacy of all involved parties.
Expired
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