From learning to the bench: enhanced judicial practice following Judicial Academies on reasonable efforts

Reasonable efforts findings are a critical judicial function in child welfare cases. This study evaluates the impact of immersive Judicial Academies designed to enhance judicial capacity in making these findings effectively. Using a multi-method approach, data included feedback surveys, pre- and post-Academy knowledge assessments, and court observations of judicial practice. Participants included judges from 20 Academies delivered in-person or virtually. Judges reported high satisfaction and demonstrated statistically significant knowledge gains. Court observations showed improved judicial practices, including increased inquiry, discussion, and detailed, case-specific reasonable efforts findings. The results suggest that Judicial Academies are associated with strengthened judicial knowledge and practice.