A guide to better remote dependency hearings

Courts must ensure families can attend hearings as easily as they do in person, and that includes access to technology, accommodations, and private attorney communication.

Remote hearings must meet the same legal standards as in-person proceedings, with no disadvantages due to a lack of technology tools or technical skills.

Courts should publish hearing expectations and participation instructions in plain language to protect rights and build trust.

Every family should receive equal treatment, regardless of hearing format, with appropriate access and representation.

Courts must clearly define which hearings can be held remotely. Courts also must provide consistent training for staff and set policies that support fair practices.

Courts should safeguard sensitive information and create a secure, respectful virtual space for all participants.

Courts must define which dependency hearings can occur remotely and when in-person attendance is required.

Policies should outline accommodations for disabilities and language needs, including interpretation services and in-person alternatives.

Courts should detail how and when evidence must be submitted, shared, and reviewed in secure formats.

To promote respectful, transparent engagement, courts must set expectations for camera and audio use and establish standards for participant conduct.

Every court should prepare for potential technical disruptions, with clear steps in place for continuing or rescheduling hearings when issues arise.

Platforms must support easy navigation across devices, including smartphones, and offer language and accessibility features.

Private attorney-client chats, breakout rooms, and screen-sharing platforms must be secure and easy to use.

Hybrid courtrooms need high-quality audio and video, proper camera angles, and strong internet connections to ensure remote litigants can fully participate.

Courts should provide step-by-step plain language guidance on platform use, with visuals and translation options.

A designated court tech person should manage troubleshooting and logistics so judges can focus on the hearing.

Courts must address the digital divide by offering public kiosks, tech loans, and safe remote access points.

Assigning fixed start times and unique links can minimize confusion, wait times, and privacy risks.

Notices should clearly explain what to expect and how to get help with remote proceedings, should include visuals, and be available in multiple languages.

Courts should follow our "start of hearing checklist," which helps assure safety, tech readiness, and confidential communication access.

Judges should address parents and children by name, ensure that they're heard, and explain outcomes clearly.

Courts must provide secure, real-time platforms for attorneys and clients to speak during and after hearings.

Hearings should end with clear next steps, and written orders must follow promptly to support family action.

Courts must prohibit and enforce rules against participants recording hearings to protect privacy and legal integrity.

Each hearing should have a distinct, non-public link, shared only with approved participants.

Remote hearings must match in-person standards for shielding sensitive family information and emotional safety.

Judges should ensure participants are in a secure, private environment and pause or reschedule if necessary.

Courts must have contingency plans, including how to respond to immediate safety threats during hearings.

Comfort items, virtual supporters, and trauma-informed practices can help families, especially children, feel safe and respected.