September 15, 2004 |
2004-R-0660 | |
STATUS REPORT: CHILDREN’S PROBATE COURT PILOT PROGRAM | ||
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By: Susan Price, Principal Analyst | ||
You asked for a status report on the regional children’s probate court pilot program established by PA 04-159.
The New Haven Regional Children’s Probate Court, located at 873 State Street was officially dedicated July 14, 2004. All 10 of the probate courts located within the region, Branford, East Haven, Hamden, Milford, North Branford, New Haven, North Haven, Orange, West Haven, and Woodbridge. Probate Court Administrator James L. Lawlor reports that during August, the first full month in which the program was operating, the court’s caseload exceeded 240 child custody and guardianship matters. This is more than double the estimate of 100 matters, which was based on the experience of the 10 participating courts during prior years. Approximately 70% of the matters heard during August were matters that would otherwise have been handled by the probate court for the district of New Haven.
Lawlor indicated that the regional court is still operating within its $ 100,00 per year budget, but expressed concern that the large volume of cases may require a budget increase. With the exception of the administrative judge, who receives $ 2,000 per month from the Probate Court Administrative Fund (PCAF), all court staff are paid through other sources.
Table 1 shows the regional court’s current monthly budget.
Table 1: Regional Children’s Court Monthly Budget
Expense |
Budget Allotment |
Payroll • Administrative Judge • 9 Judges • Clerk • Court Assistants and Security Officers • 5 Social Workers • 2 Social Workers |
• $ 2,000 from PCAF: balance of salary paid by North Branford probate court • paid by their respective district probate court • paid by New Haven probate court • paid by New Haven probate court • paid by the Department of Children and Families • paid by Casey Family Services |
Rent |
$ 4,666. 66 |
Misc. Operating Expenses |
$ 1,500 |
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