The Court Improvement Program (CIP) is funded by a federal grant program provided under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and aimed at improving juvenile court response to children who are dependent, delinquent or unruly and are at risk of, or are placed in foster care. The Tennessee Supreme Court received its initial Court Improvement grant in 1995.
A two-year assessment of juvenile courts in Tennessee was completed in 1997 and revealed a number of barriers within the court system in obtaining permanency for children in foster care. Since 1998, Court Improvement staff has provided educational seminars for judges, attorneys, Foster Care Review Boards, court staff, CASA, Department of Children’s Services, and others involved in child welfare. Seminars are provided on a local, regional or state level.
If you would like further information on the Court Improvement Program, contact Leslie Barrett Kinkead, J.D., Coordinator (leslie.kinkead@tscmail.state.tn.us) or Nyasha N. Justice, J.D., Attorney (nyasha.justice@tscmail.state.tn.us). at the Administrative Office of the Courts, 511 Union Street, Suite 600, Nashville, TN 37219, 615-741-2687, 615-253-3423 fax
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