U.S. Reps. Blake Moore (R-UT) and Carol Miller (R-WV) on May 17 introduced a bipartisan bill that would strengthen the Court Improvement Program (CIP) to advance technology and modernize the judicial child welfare system.
Rep. Moore sponsored the Court Improvement Program Enhancement Act of 2024, H.R. 8460, with original cosponsors Rep. Miller and U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) to bolster the CIP, which supports Superior Courts in overseeing cases and hearings on child abuse and neglect, and improves the abilities of courts to handle child welfare hearings, provide training to judges on trauma-informed care, and promote quality care and improved outcomes for children and families.
“The [CIP] is essential to ensuring courts can best serve children and families in the child welfare system,” said Rep. Moore, who added that H.R. 8460 “takes the program a step further by clarifying that courts can and should invest in technology that improves outcomes for children and families and protects against interruptions caused by natural disasters, cyberattacks, or public health crises.”
If enacted, H.R. 8460 would clarify that CIP funds may be used toward technological improvements and to coordinate with other agencies on backup approaches to prevent such disruptions, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Specifically, H.R. 8460 would permit state courts to use CIP funds for remote hearing technology and training for judges, attorneys, and other legal personnel to improve parent, family, and youth engagement in child welfare proceedings, the summary says.
“The Court Improvement Program Enhancement Act will help modernize the child welfare system and allow for new technological advancements to increase efficiency and care within the judicial process,” Rep. Miller said. “These targeted reforms will help more children find loving and safe homes.”
“Importantly, our bill will increase access to and modernize legal services through continued flexibility for virtual proceedings, strengthen state court interactions with tribal courts, and increase funding for state and tribal courts,” added Rep. Chu.