NCJFCJ Conducts Fall College: Role of the Judge Training

By Tina Bhatia, NCJFCJ Intern, University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Boyd School of Law

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges’ “Fall College:  Role of the Judge” education program took place September 24-29th on the campus of the University of Nevada at the Juvenile and Family Law Department with 26 judges in attendance.  The judges were from 11 states, including eight from Virginia, three from Maryland, four from Arizona, two from Tennessee, four from Georgia and one each from Nevada, Idaho, Washington, New Mexico and Vermont.  Throughout the week there were various interesting and educational presentations, with the topics ranging from child development to substance abuse to judicial ethics.

Several faculty members returned with successful past presentations.  Former NCJFCJ President, Judge Stephen Rubin of Tucson, stirred both interest and discussion with his presentation on Handling Child Abuse Cases and Indian Child Welfare Act Practice, while Richard Wieher, Ph.D., highlighted the importance of obtaining and correctly understanding Psychological and Psychiatric Evidence.  Former NCJFCJ President, Prof. Thomas Hornbsy of Florida presented on Judicial Ethics and the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children Act, which the participants found very informative.

Additionally, several new faculty members were also well received by the participants.  Melissa Piasekeci, MD, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Nevada School of Medicine, gave an intriguing presentation on Drug Evaluation, while Karen Shelton, Ph.D., Reno stimulated the minds of the participants with an informative presentation on Adolescent and Child Development.  Kirby Burgess, who retired last year as Director of Clark County, NV Juvenile Services, gave the judges helpful, real-life tips on how to develop and assess services for children and their families.  Denise Herz, Ph.D., Prof., of California State University, Los Angeles informed the judges about assessment tools to aid the courts.

Group discussions were facilitated by both Judge Daniel Kellogg, of the 5th Judicial District, St. Joseph, Missouri, and Dr. Herz.  Judge Kellogg also presented on Problem Solving Court techniques.

The Fall College reviews were favorable and many participants mentioned they enjoyed the training and want to attend additional National Council programs.  Six participants decided to join NCJFCJ as a result of attending the Fall College session. 

NCJFCJ conferences and training sessions also offer judges and practitioners the opportunity to network and compare notes on what is happening in the various parts of the country as compared to their jurisdictions.