Judicial Council approves redistribution of juvenile dependency counsel and unspent dependency-counsel funds

Judge Anne Moorman presented recommendations to allocate juvenile dependency counsel collections of $125,145 remitted in fiscal year 2024–25 and to reallocate an estimated $1,100,000 in unspent dependency counsel funding identified after additional returns were reported. She explained the Trail Court Budget Advisory Committee's methodology and the branch's approach to ensure statutorily restricted funds are used for their intended purpose to benefit children and families.

Council members voiced support for reallocating available funds to courts with demonstrated need. Mr. Slayton thanked courts for identifying the funds and called the reallocation "important." The Council moved and approved both recommendations by voice vote.