MONTGOMERY—The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts has received a $100,629 grant from Gov. Robert Bentley to help attorneys and court officials understand the needs of domestic violence victims and how to serve them effectively as their cases move through the criminal justice system.
The AOC will conduct two sessions in Montgomery designed to help family court professionals make more informed decisions when handling domestic abuse and child custody cases. The classes will be on Sept. 8 for attorneys and Sept.9 for judges.
“When their cases are prosecuted, domestic violence victims can enter an unfamiliar and complex world of testimonies, court dates, legal hearings and other criminal justice procedures,” Bentley said. “I commend the Administrative Office of Courts for its focus on making sure judicial employees have the knowledge and tools they need to guide victims through this process and continue serving them effectively.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation and water resources management.
“Domestic violence victims need and deserve professional support and guidance as they navigate the criminal justice system,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “I am pleased ADECA can assist the Administrative Office of Courts with funding to provide an important training for attorneys and judges.
Bentley informed Rich Hobson, AOC director of courts, that the grant had been approved.
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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley