As you are aware there is a pilot adult drug court program underway in Bismarck. These drug court programs are intensive programs and require considerable time from those involved, including the judges. They require a wide array of services in addition to the time of the judges. I support and encourage development of these programs, but I am concerned we will be unable to sustain them state-wide with the current number of judges. We hope to learn more from these pilot projects and, based on what we learn, plan for the future.
Studies confirm that children suffer emotional distress from their parents' divorce or separation.
Divorce has been found to lead to poor outcomes for children in school, in emotional and behavioral functioning, and in self-esteem. Children experiencing bitterly contested custody cases are at even greater risk for psychological maladjustment, including anxiety, depression, drug abuse, and aggression. Allegations of substance abuse, domestic violence and child maltreatment, as part of custody disputes, are pervasive. The Supreme Court adopted Rules 8.5 and 8.6 of the Rules of Court delineating the responsibilities between custody investigators and guardians ad litem and establishing qualifications, including training requirements. These rules are, we hope, a step forward in the area of resolving child custody, which of course has as its ultimate purpose, not fairness to the parents but, rather, the best interests of the child.