New York State Family Justice Initiative: Strategic Plan

New York State’s family courts face longstanding challenges, including limited resources, overwhelming processes, and the complex needs of the families they serve. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated approach that strengthens families, expands community-based support, and promotes lasting systems change.

The Family Justice Initiative, led by the New York State Unified Court System in partnership with the Center for Justice Innovation, with funding from the New York State Governor’s Office, brought together court leaders, practitioners, community partners, and families with lived experience to help shape the future of Family Court. The resulting strategic plan outlines concrete recommendations to strengthen court and community partnerships, improve access to justice, and advance more equitable, effective, and trauma-responsive practices statewide. Together, these recommendations offer a roadmap for reducing unnecessary system involvement, addressing families’ underlying needs, and building a more sustainable family justice system.

Download the full strategic plan or explore the summary of key recommendations.

Read the Full Report Read the Summary