State Court Improvement Program

Objective

This program provides funding to state and tribal courts to improve the quality of court processes and legal representation. The program provides courts flexibility to design assessments which identify barriers to timely and effective decision-making, highlight practices which are not fully successful, examine areas they find to be in need of correction or added attention, and then implement reforms which address specific needs. State courts are required to collaborate with the state child welfare agency and tribes in this work. The program also provides funding for tribal court recipients through discretionary awards.

Who Can Apply

• Federally Recognized Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Government
• State

The highest state courts in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are eligible to apply for funding. The term "highest state court" means the judicial tribunal which is the ultimate court of appeals in the state. Tribal courts of federally recognized Tribes may apply for awards.

Who Benefits

• Unrestricted by Individual Type

Families and children who are served by state and tribal courts in proceedings related to foster care, guardianship and adoption.

Assistance Types

• Grant

Program Contact

Tracy.fields@acf.hhs.gov
(202) 401-9353