	Background

The District of Columbia Family Court Act of 2001 (P.L. The chief judge’s determination of the number of individuals serving as judges of the Superior Court who meet the qualifications for judges of the Family Court and are willing and able to serve on the Family Court. Volume III addresses the physical space the court needs to house and operate the Family Court. The Transition Plan Reveals Progress and Challenges in Planning the Transition to the Family Court

The Family Court transition plan provides information on most, but not all, of the elements required by the Family Court Act; however, some aspects of case management, training, and performance evaluation are unclear. The Family Court has begun several initiatives to integrate its activities with the social services provided by other District agencies. In achieving coordinated services in the longer term, the court faces several challenges. The plan calls for renovations under tight deadlines and all required space may not be available, as currently planned, to support the additional judges the Family Court needs to perform its work in accordance with the act, making it uncertain as to when the court can fully complete its transition.
What GAO Found

The District of Columbia Superior Court has made progress in planning the transition of its Family Division to a Family Court, but some challenges remain. The Superior Court's transition plan addresses most, but not all, of the required elements outlined in the District of Columbia Family Court Act of 2001. Significantly, the completion of the transition hinges on timely completion of a complex series of interdependent plans intended to obtain and renovate physical space to house the court and its functions. All required space may not be available, as currently planned, to support the additional judges the Family Court needs to perform its work in accordance with the act, making it uncertain as to when the court can fully complete its transition. Although not required as part of its transition plan efforts, the Superior Court has begun to coordinate its activities with social services agencies in the District. However, the court and agencies face challenges in achieving coordinated services in the longer term. Finally, the development and application of the District of Columbia Courts' Integrated Justice Information System will be critical for the Family Court to be able to operate effectively, evaluate its performance, and meet its judicial goals in the context of the changes mandated by the Family Court Act.