Enhancing Judicial Skills in Elder Abuse Cases Workshop

Transcription

1 Enhancing Judicial Skills in Elder Abuse Cases Workshop June 7-10, 2009 San Francisco, California A partnership of the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women This project was supported by Grant No 2005-EW-AX-K100, awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

2 The National Judicial Institute on Domestic Violence (NJIDV), partnership of the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF), the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), and the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), offers a four-day, hands-on, highly interactive workshop that will help new and experienced state court and tribal court judges, and judicial officers to enhance their skills and ability to respond to cases involving elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. A judge participating in this workshop will be better able to: Define elder abuse and identify common abuse tactics. Describe common excuses and myths related to perpetrators abuse of elders. Discuss the range of barriers that inhibit access to justice and safety for elders in court, and enhance physical, legal, and attitudinal accessibility for older adult victims. Rule on evidentiary and legal challenges that perpetuate discrimination against, or jeopardize the safety of, aging adults who are victims of abuse. Craft orders that preserve the dignity of elders, enhance victim safety, and hold perpetrators accountable. Develop and promote fair practices and procedures in the court and community that address the physical, financial, and emotional protection of older adult victims. Define the terms culture and cultural competence and enhance respect for the dynamics of difference in cases involving elder abuse. Develop a strategy and implement a mechanism to promote continued victim safety throughout and after court proceedings. Assess the potential impact of a judge s role within the court and the larger community. Faculty The workshop faculty team will include experienced judges, attorneys, an expert in the dynamics of elder abuse, a multicultural expert, and other professionals from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations. The following is a partial faculty list: Linda Dawson, JD Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren Madison, Wisconsin Hon. Karen Aileen Howze DC Superior Court Washington, DC Hon. Janice Martin Jefferson District Court Louisville, Kentucky Candace Heisler, JD Heisler and Associates San Bruno, California Hon. Phyllis Williams Kotey (Ret.) Florida International University College of Law Miami, Florida Hon. José López DC Superior Court Washington, DC Sujata Warrier, PhD Consultant Bloomfield, New Jersey Hon. Chris Wickham Thurston County Superior Court Olympia, Washington

3 Enhancing Judicial Skills in Elder Abuse Cases The workshop addresses the following topics using hypothetical case problems, roleplays, small-group workshops, faculty demonstrations, and a working lunch. The highly interactive format enables judges and judicial officers from different jurisdictions and levels of experience to learn from one another as well as from faculty experts. Aging and the Dynamics of Elder Abuse 7.25 Hours This segment will help participants to recognize the extent of the elder abuse epidemic in this country and in their courtrooms. Evidence in Elder Abuse Cases 2.25 Hours This segment will explore the judge s role as fact finder and identify common evidentiary challenges in elder abuse cases. Leadership and Access to Justice 2.75 Hours This segment focuses on the judge s leadership role in the court and community to increase access to justice for victims of elder abuse. Fairness and Culture Issues in Elder Abuse Cases 2.25 Hours Participants will formulate definitions of culture competency, discuss the dynamics of difference, and identify ways in which culture is relevant in the courtroom. Decision Making Skills 3.75 Hours This segment will focus on decision-making in elder abuse cases that preserves the dignity of victims, encourages self-determination, enhances safety, orders the least restrictive alternatives, and holds perpetrators accountable.

4 Enhancing Judicial Skills in Elder Abuse Cases Who is eligible to attend? All state court and tribal court judges nationwide are eligible to attend the workshop, but first priority will be given to judges from jurisdictions currently receiving funding from: Enhanced Training and Services to End Violence and Abuse of Women Later in Life Program Participants must make their own lodging and travel arrangements. Hotel Information Hotel Kabuki Second priority will be given to judges from other 1625 Post Street OVW grant programs such as: San Francisco, CA Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Tel: (415) Enforcement of Protection Orders Fax: (415) STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grants Reservations: 1 (800) Program Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Meeting dates: June 7-10, 2009 Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Child Abuse Enforcement Assistance Program Rate: $164/night Domestic Violence Transitional Housing Assistance Program Reservation cut off date: May 5, 2009 Priority is also given to OVW-funded jurisdictions that send more than one judge. The program is offered free of charge. An activity fee of $75 will offset expenses that cannot be paid with grant funds. Local OVW-funded agencies and some courts might cover their judges travel and per diem costs. All participants are responsible for their own travel and per diem costs. Financial assistance for some travel expenses may be available to a limited number of participants with special funding needs. The Workshop runs from 1:00 p.m. Sunday through noon Wednesday. Participation in all sessions is mandatory. How do you apply to attend? To apply for participation in the workshop, please complete and return the attached application form. Participation is limited, and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to the eligibility guidelines outlined above. Please contact the Registrar at

5 ENHANCING JUDICIAL SKILLS IN ELDER ABUSE CASES APPLICATION FORM (Late applicants will be considered as space allows) Send to: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Your application is not confirmed Registrar, Family Violence Department until receipt of an acceptance letter. P.O. Box 8970 Reno, Nevada Phone: (775) Fax: (775) Name: Title: Court: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: Fax: I have the following special needs: I agree to attend ALL SESSIONS of the Enhancing Judicial Skills workshop. Signature I am located in a jurisdiction that receives funds under one of the following OVW Programs (Check one box) Enhanced Training and Services to End Violence and Abuse of Women Later in Life Program Other OVW programs to improve the response to violence against women (e.g., Grants to encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders, STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program, etc.) Cost & Activity Fee: The education program is provided free of charge. An activity fee will offset expenses that cannot be paid with grant funds. For this program, the activity fee is $75. Once you have been accepted into the program, the registrar will contact you regarding your payment preference. *YOUR APPLICATION IS NOT CONFIRMED UNTIL RECEIPT OF AN ACCEPTANCE LETTER*