PRTF Court Update

Dear Benchmarks' Members, 

We have reached out to DHHS with the following questions related to the courts and their involvement with our PRTF children and families.

Question:  If a youth was recently reviewed by a judge and is in placement with an order that is supposed to be re reviewed in the next few weeks for ongoing approval- will this be canceled? Technically we are in violation of the order if they are not seen. 

Our court procedures vary by judicial district. For example, Avery judges require us to come to court for reviews but Iredell comes to us. Most PRTFs are not taking youths off campus nor letting visitors on campus to mitigate exposures. We can use technology on our end. Can they? And are they willing to do that? 

Judges have court ordered visitations. We are not allowing those as of today. We will be in violation of those orders.

So basically as they keep kids and staff and campuses safe how can they stay out of an orange jumpsuit and not be incarcerated for violating court orders.

Answer:  We, along with Lisa Corbett, were just on a call with Chief justice Beasley's Chief of staff and Dolly Whiteside (Indigent Services - client attorney). The recommendation is for all civil commitment cases to continue to be held, except in circumstances where the judge can continue them for a week at a time. They are encouraging tele-court if possible, as well.
 
On the question of court ordered visitation, the recommendation is for individuals to reach out to their specific judge.
 
I hope this is helpful and thanks for your work and advocacy during this challenging times - as always. 

We will continue to keep you posted as this situation continues to evolve and please continue to keep us posted on how this issue impacts your agency!

Wishing you a safe and healthy week ahead,

The Benchmarks' Team