Victim-centered methods, also known as trauma-informed and Start By Believing, continue to gain influence in our system of justice. The latest group to fall under its sway: judges.

Here are two examples:

1. National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges:

• The NCJFCJ has an entire section on its website devoted to “Trauma Informed Courts.” https://www.ncjfcj.org/child-welfare-and-juvenile-law/trauma-informed-courts/ . Here’s one example: 
• "The NCJFCJ’s work with courts is informed by a focus on trauma using a universal precautions approach that assumes children and families involved in the court system have experienced some form of trauma that may be mitigated through court-based interventions. The NCJFCJ has developed trauma assessment tools that use a multi-method approach to evaluate court practices, policies, environments, and stakeholder attitudes in order to advance the emerging field of trauma-informed justice." [emphasis added]

2. National Center for State Courts

• The NCSC offers an extensive array of “trauma-informed” programs.  Here’s a sample:
• Essential Components of Trauma-informed Judicial Practice: What Every Judge Needs to Know about Trauma (2013, SAMHSA)
• NCTSN Bench Cards for the Trauma-Informed Judge (2013, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

Do these judges no longer believe in the presumption of innocence? Do they really want to turn their courtrooms in social service referral centers?