ISSUE BRIEF - What do we know about remote court hearings?

More thorough research and evaluation are needed to better understand the impacts on children and families, and to inform decisions about when and under what conditions remote hearings are useful. [...] During the pandemic, caseworkers and attorneys also reported having more time to prepare for remote court hearings and more time to check in with children and families as a result of the time savings. [...] In other instances, court teams are gathering the day before hearings to review and prepare, contacting children and families in advance and supporting their participation in hearings. [...] Courts need ongoing feedback from families and children to determine when remote hearings are useful, and what they need to be effectively engaged and supported in the process. [...] The following tools and resources were developed by national and state court partners to address the challenges of remote and hybrid court hearings and support judges and court partners in effectively implementing them: • The Capacity Building Center for Courts has produced guidance and tips for Conducting Effective Remote Hearings in Child Welfare Cases.