FY 25 Harford County Government Proposed Operating Budget

JUDICIAL Family Court Services Cost Center 417000

ORIGIN/PURPOSE: The role of the Social Worker is to develop, implement and direct a program that will include

evaluation/mediation for parties to domestic cases who have disputes over custody, visitation and similar issues. Working directly with the parties in both individual and joint sessions, the Social Worker addresses issues that may arise such as mutual cooperation, child development, and child safety. The goal of the program is to assist parties in resolving their problems themselves instead of resorting to time consuming and unproductive court hearings. The Court also established a Facilitated Visitation Program. In cases where a claim is made that a parent has not seen a child for such a signifcant period that they are a stranger to the child, or there are allegations of sexual abuse, the Social Worker is retained to supervise visitation. The facilitator fles a report after each visit and assists the Court in the evaluation of the case. Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluations: properly done evaluations which assist the Court in determining whether further psychological/psychiatric counseling is needed and greatly expedites any referral for such assistance. Parenting Program: aimed at assisting single/divorced parents in understanding such areas as child development, the separation process, and the psychological aspects of divorce. Home Studies: a qualifed individual evaluates a home suitability or other physical aspects of the environment where a child will be and reports to the Court. In every case where services are needed, every attempt is made to have those services provided privately with the expenses to be paid by either parties or their medical insurance. Where this is not possible, the parties are assessed on a sliding scale basis and the monies paid into the County's General Fund. AGENCY GOALS: TO CONTINUE TO REFINE AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICES OFFERED IN DOMESTIC CASES AS WELL AS DEVELOP NEW SERVICES; TO ASSIST FAMILIES AND THE COURT TO PROMPTLY AND EFFICIENTLY RESOLVE CUSTODY AND VISITATION DISPUTES; TO REDUCE THE TIME FROM THE FILING OF A CASE TO THE RESOLUTION OF ANY CUSTODY OR VISITATION DISPUTE; TO DECREASE THE NUMBER OF CUSTODY/VISITATION DISPOSITIONS THAT REQUIRE RESOLUTION BY TRIAL.

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