Bring Our “Courting Judicial Excellence” Training to Your State

Why do judges need this training?

In the majority of states, judges who handle delinquency cases are not required to receive any training on adolescent development or juvenile justice best practices, which may lead to decisions not fully informed by research that can trap children in lifelong incarceration cycles that don’t improve public safety.

The CSG Justice Center and the National Center for Juvenile and Family Court Judges fill that gap with Juvenile Justice Judicial Training Institutes hosted by our Courting Judicial Excellence program.

In this intensive and interactive training program, a nationally renowned faculty of current and former judicial leaders and experts share their insights and knowledge about the latest research, practical tools, and best practices. The curriculum is adaptable and customizable for each state.

The training also gives judges a unique opportunity to connect and network with colleagues from other jurisdictions.

Here’s what some participants have said:

“It was great to have the time to look at this topic through a different lens, as well as outside of the time pressure of the courtroom.”

“Best part: collaborating with colleagues from across the country and borrowing ideas and strategies.”

“The importance of this juvenile justice training institute is due to the limited, if any, judicial education, or training received by the multitude of judges who decide the hundreds of thousands of cases involving children who are involved in the courts across the nation involving juvenile delinquency matters.”

—Chief Judge Gayl Y. Branum Carr (Ret.), Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Fairfax, VA

What will the training cover?

Adolescent Development
Screening and Assessment
Youth and Family Engagement
Judicial Ethics and Decision-Making
Best Practices in Juvenile Justice
Juvenile Justice and Trauma-Informed Decision-Making
Mental Illnesses and Substance Use Disorders
Judicial Leadership and Role of Judiciary in Systems Reform

Who should attend?

Any and all judicial officers who hear delinquency proceedings and want to stay informed about the latest juvenile justice research and best practices.

How much does the training cost?

Hosting a 2–4-day state institute typically costs approximately $50,000, not including participant and meeting space expenses. This cost covers faculty and staff time, travel, and development of customized training materials. Institute faculty will work with you to develop a customized agenda and detailed budget.

How do I host a training in my state?

Judges, court administrators, judicial educators, or any other interested stakeholders can contact Christina Gilbert (cgilbert@csg.org) to learn more and get started.