In 2001, Title 32, Chapter 14 of Idaho Code established Coordinated Family Services to promote timely and effective resolutions of family-related disputes involving court cases. The legislatively created Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Family Court Services Fund supports services in family law cases such as supervised visitation, co-parent education, mediation, brief focused assessments, and parenting time evaluations. In FY2023, $411,746 was budgeted for this work. 

Family Court Services provides support to parents divorcing, modifying child custody, and establishing parenting arrangements for their children. This support is available in every judicial district and encourages the use of non-adversarial methods of dispute resolution. 

REDUCING CONFLICT

Idaho courts this past year received over 6,640 new cases involving parents filing for divorce, child support, or custody. This past year, over 1,600 cases went to mediation in an effort to resolve their issues outside of court proceedings. Judges also have the ability to order parenting time evaluations, which aid a court in sorting through conflicts parents are struggling with during their divorce. This past year, over 180 of these evaluations were ordered. 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURTS

Idaho’s domestic violence courts are designed to promote safety by connecting victims with advocacy and other services while holding offenders accountable. Idaho has ten domestic violence courts in five judicial districts. These courts include judicial review hearings with comprehensive reports provided by probation officers, treatment providers, and victims (if appropriate and possible). In FY2023, domestic violence courts conducted over 3,600 review hearings.   

In FY2023, the Idaho Supreme Court approved a new policy and procedures document for domestic violence courts. These elements are being implemented in each of Idaho’s domestic violence courts, and they align such courts with effective practices while providing a more uniform structure. 

ONGOING EDUCATION

In spring of FY2023, the Administrative Office of the Courts hosted the Children and Families Institute. Approximately 300 judges, court staff, and treatment providers attended. Speakers discussed focusing on a person’s strengths when developing effective interventions in court, domestic violence 101, interventions that increase a person’s resilience, and rethinking safety and privacy with remote proceedings. 

Association of Families & Conciliation Courts
An interdisciplinary and international association of professionals dedicated to improving lives of children and families through the resolution of family conflict.

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
The NCJFCJ, headquartered on the University of Nevada campus in Reno, provides cutting-edge training, wide-ranging technical assistance…

Child Custody Mediators Roster

Domestic Violence Evaluators

Domestic Violence Court Coordinators

Idaho Child Support Guidelines

Idaho Court Assistance Self-Help Center

Lawyer Referral Service

Parenting Coordinators

To File for a Civil Protection Order

Idaho Guide and File

Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance (DV Offender Intervention Programs and Victim Advocacy Agencies)