What role can judges play in improving the juvenile court system in the coming years?
Hon. J. Dean Lewis: The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges encourages all judges who serve in these courts to follow in the footsteps of our founding fathers and: Step out from behind the bench and be involved in the community. Be conveners and educators in their communities. Advocate for the development of resources and ensure their availability. Recruit and train attorneys and court-appointed special advocates willing to serve as counsel and guardians ad litem for children in the court. Ensure that all who advocate for children and families are well educated in the law, court procedures, and local resources for children and families. Judges should hold these important court participants to a high level of accountability. Administer an effective and efficient court system that implements good business practices in serving both a rehabilitative and protective function for children and their families. Involve the citizens and the governing body of the community in the
