Court Improvement Project
The Judicial Branch reiterates its commitment to work towards an effective justice system for all, and without distinction, as it guarantees the most fundamental rights of our people. This commitment fosters procedural fairness and the elimination of barriers to access to justice that people face. The Court Improvement Project is a Judicial Branch initiative that seeks to develop specific strategies to manage child abuse and neglect cases.
Management of Child Abuse and Neglect Cases
Through the Court Improvement Project, parents and guardians (those who have a child under their daily care) are offered guidance on their rights and duties and on the legal proceedings they will face in court after the Department of the Family removes a child from the home. They are also offered referral services to help them obtain free legal representation if they qualify.
What are the objectives of the Court Improvement Project?
The objectives of the Court Improvement Project include:
- Establishing new standard procedures for the management of child abuse and neglect cases
- Promoting a diligent and timely resolution of these cases within the timeframe established by state and federal laws
- Establishing strategies to safeguard the rights of all parties, especially in the best interest of the children
- Promoting collaboration agreements with the agencies involved in these cases
How does the Court Improvement Project work?
After a judge authorizes the removal of the child from the home, the case is referred to an assistant coordinator. The coordinator provides guidance to the persons from whose home the child has been removed by the Department of the Family and refers them to organizations where they can obtain free legal services, if they qualify.
Are orientations under the Court Improvement Project confidential?
Yes. Since these cases involve the safety and well-being of children, everything that is discussed at the project offices is considered privileged information that cannot be disclosed.
Does the Judicial Branch offer free legal representation under the Court Improvement Project?
No. The Judicial Branch does not offer legal representation or counsel, whether free of charge or otherwise. The Judicial Branch, through the assistant coordinator, offers general guidance and referrals to help people receive free legal services should they qualify under an organization’s eligibility requirements.
Oficina Legal de la Comunidad y Servicios Legales, Inc. (“Community Law Office and Legal Services”) offers free legal services to parents and guardians in the judicial regions where the project is available.
¿Dónde se encuentra implementado el Proyecto Justicia para la Niñez?
Where has the Court Improvement Project been established?
Family and Minors Court, 4th floor
(787) 620-9740; extension 2424
Judicial Center, 5th floor
(787) 641-6363; extension 2421
Judicial Center, 4th floor
(787) 652-5555; extension 2660
Judicial Center, 2nd floor
(787) 894-2525; extension 2361
All judicial regions feature project initiatives targeting child abuse and neglect cases. These initiatives focus on providing training for judges concerning case management and tools to comply with the statutory requirements, among others. In the judicial regions where the project is not available, individuals must request guidance on abuse and neglect cases from the Department of the Family or request assistance from the court.
Can anyone request services under the Court Improvement Project?
No. The services provided in this project are not available upon request. To receive these services, a judge of the Court of First Instance Investigation Division must refer a person whose child has been removed by the Department of the Family to the assistant project coordinator.
For more information
For information on the Court Improvement Project, you may contact the Office of Court Administration Directorate of Judicial Programs by calling (787) 641-6600; extensions 5708, 5712 y 5314.