Category: Announcements

Virtually via Zoom from June 2nd – June 6th, 2025, the NCJFCJ’s training for dependency court judges, the Child Abuse and Neglect Institute (CANI) provides instruction for new or experienced judges on the knowledge and skills necessary to preside over an effective child abuse and neglect court process. Participants will also receive instruction on emerging practices to improve outcomes for children and families in the child welfare system. CANI brings together an outstanding cadre of expert judicial faculty and other subject matter experts to engage participants through exemplary instruction, case scenarios, and other active learning strategies.

Register here.

The SJI Board of Directors will be meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET.  The purpose of this meeting is to consider grant applications for the 3^rd quarter of FY 2025, and other business.

ADDRESS:  Maryland Judicial Center, 187 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD.

Join us for the launch of the #GuideforRemoteDependencyHearings

Ensuring Family Justice in a Virtual World: Introducing a New Court Guide for Remote Dependency Hearings – May 13th, 2025, at 1:00PM EST.

Developed with support from State Justice Institute, this guide helps dependency courts conduct effective, accessible, and secure remote hearings. Created through careful collaboration with courts across the country, the Guide for Remote Dependency Hearings offers practical solutions for courts seeking to implement or improve remote dependency hearings. It includes detailed recommendations for drafting court policies, selecting appropriate technology platforms, ensuring privacy and security, managing hearing logistics, and enhancing family engagement.

The Guide for Remote Dependency Hearings will be officially released during a webinar on May 13th, 2025, after which it will be available on NCSC’s website.

Learn how to assess your court’s policies and practices and request free technical assistance to enhance your remote court processes.

Register for the #webinar here.

When? Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, at 3:00PM EST.

Jury service is a cornerstone of the #justicesystem, yet many citizens find the experience frustrating due to inefficiencies, privacy concerns, and challenges in understanding complex legal issues. 

This webinar will explore practical strategies to improve the #juror experience, from streamlining jury selection to providing critical decision-making aids that enhance juror comprehension, deliberation quality, and confidence in #verdicts. 

Register here.

As a reminder, Saturday April 26th is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Most counties and cities will have at least one agency or partner available to safely acquire and dispose of prescription medication on this day. View the locations near you here: Take Back Day. Stop the #OpioidEpidemic. Read about SJI’s #PriorityInvestmentAreas and our projects directly related to Opioids and Other Dangerous Drugs, and #BehavioralHealth Responses here: https://www.sji.gov/priority-investment-areas/

#OpioidEpidemic #TakeBackDay #DEA #MakeAnImpact

Join in on April 23rd from 1:00pm-2:30pm EST for the next webinar in the series to share key findings from the #YouthProtectiveFactorsStudy, hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, UMass Chan Medical School, and UC Berkeley’s Risk-Resilience Lab. The webinar—The Influence of Protective Factors and Strength-Based Services on Youth Reoffending—will share key takeaways from the 2nd brief in the study, which will be released in mid-April. This includes results from a first-of-its-kind survey of protective factors administered to almost 2,000 youth across 3 states as part of juvenile justice system intake processes. The webinar will also highlight the specific protective factors that mitigate youth reoffending and the impact of receiving strength-based services on youth recidivism and violence. Principal researchers Dr. Gina Vincent, Dr. Jennifer Skeem, and Josh Weber, who oversees the CSG Justice Center’s juvenile justice work, will share implications for juvenile justice case planning, services, and how jurisdictions can best use limited resources to improve public safety and youth outcomes.

For more information and to register, please go to: The Youth Protective Factors Study: The Influence of Protective Factors and Strength-Based Services on Youth Reoffending – CSG Justice Center

On June 18th-20th, 2025, in vibrant San Diego (La Jolla), CA, the Transformation of Youth Justice Symposium will provide unique opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to the nationwide momentum improving outcomes for children, families, and communities through enhanced youth justice system approaches and practices. Hosted by the Robert F. Kennedy National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice, this engaging 2.5-day event is designed to empower multi-disciplinary professionals and youth-serving stakeholders committed to advancing effective and innovative system change. Plenaries, workshops, and interactive sessions will spotlight research-informed and evidence-based reforms that are measurable, sustainable, and replicable in any community. With an emphasis on peer learning and dynamic interaction, attendees will network with distinguished experts, prominent state and local leaders, and colleagues who have championed innovative policy and practice changes. The event will also amplify the voices of advocates with lived experience and showcase emerging leaders driving change in youth justice.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this important movement! Learn more and register today at: www.rfknrcjj.org

When? Wednesday, April 16th at 1:00PM EST.

Courts are now exploring options to leverage #artificialintelligence (AI) to enhance operations and support staff. Join us for the latest session in our AI and the Courts webinar series, featuring a discussion of real-world applications of AI tools.

This webinar will discuss #evidentiary issues raised by #AI. While fabricated evidence is not a new problem in state courts, the accessibility of AI has made it easier to enhance, alter, or create evidence. Such evidence may take two forms: one where all parties agree that AI has been used in the production of evidence, such as enhancement of a photo or audio (acknowledged AI-generated evidence); and a second where AI has been used, or is alleged to have been used, without disclosure and with an intention to mislead (unacknowledged AI-generated evidence).

Join the National Center for State Courts on Wednesday, April 16th at 1:00PM EST for this informative session.

Register here.

#UpcomingWebinar! Leading Change in Trial Courts – Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, at 3:00PM EST.

For more information and to register: Webinar Registration – Zoom

The SJI Board of Directors will be meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET.  The purpose of this meeting is to consider grant applications for the 2^nd quarter of FY 2025, and other business.

ADDRESS: Indiana Supreme Court, 200 W Washington St. Indianapolis, IN.