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Center on Children, Families, and the Law

Enhancing the well-being of children, youth, and families.

Projects & Outreach: Supreme Court Commission on Children in the Courts

Supreme Court of Nebraska seal

Chief Justice John V. Hendry announced the formation of the Supreme Court Commission on Children in the Courts on January 6, 2005. The Commission, co-chaired by Judge Everett O. Inbody, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and Douglas County Separate Juvenile Court Judge Douglas F. Johnson, consists of judges, lawyers, representatives of the legislative and executive branches, and children's advocates.

The initial goal of the Commission is to begin a study of appropriate steps for the judicial system to undertake to insure that the court system is as responsive as possible for children who interact with, or are directly affected by the courts. The first priority is to research the effectiveness of the legal representation of children within the system, including developing standards and training protocols for lawyers who represent children in abuse and neglect cases and in cases involving juvenile delinquency. The Commission's work that focuses on children's legal representation will be done in collaboration with the Nebraska Bar Association with the generous support of Woods Charitable Fund. The Commission will also explore the possibility of specialized family courts, ways in which welfare agencies and volunteers can work together, and the effectiveness of drug courts.

The Commission will meet at least quarterly to review the responsiveness of courts statewide to children, to investigate system concerns, to research more effective and efficient approaches to these cases, and to make recommendations for change to the Supreme Court when warranted.

Judge Inbody currently serves as the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and has been an active member of the Court Improvement Project, which is dedicated to serving children within the court system. He has served as a juvenile judge through the county court in the 5th judicial district and participated as a member of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges during his tenure on that bench.

Judge Douglas Johnson is a Separate Juvenile Court Judge in Omaha. Judge Johnson is Immediate Past President for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. His training regarding child abuse, evidence and ethics is nationally known through the National Judicial College and the National Council. For his 'unselfish commitment to the community,' Judge Johnson was given the 2001 Chief Justice's Distinguished Judge for Service to the Community Award. He also serves on numerous national, regional and local commissions, committees, and boards.

Commission Meeting Schedule:

Judicial Commission Subcommittees:

Active Subcommittees:

Archived Subcommittees:

Click here to see a list of the members of the Commission

Click here for links to Internet Resources and Nebraska Reports

Our mission

Is to conduct research, analyze policy, and provide education and community service. The purpose of CCFL's activities is to enhance the well-being of children, youth, and families.

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One hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, how big my house was, or what kind of car I drove. But the world may be a little better, because I was important in the life of a child
- Forest Witcraft