A Judicial Resource Guide on Military Families and the Courts

Whether they realize it or not, all juvenile family court judges hear cases in their courts involving military service members (active duty, reserve, or retired) or their family members regardless of their community’s location or proximity to a military installation. A Judicial Resource Guide on Military Families and the Courts focuses on what judges need to know about military families in the court system and their unique factors. Information in the Guide is pertinent to child abuse and neglect, juvenile justice, family violence, and domestic relations case types. Information is covered on trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and their effects on families. Judicial considerations and questions to ask in hearings are included. Key federal legislation is addressed, including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), the Interstate Compact on Juveniles (ICJ), and the Lautenberg Amendment, along with the implications for cases involving military families. Additional, pertinent resources are provided for each case type.

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