Douglas County Court Services highlights domestic investigation program

Officers detail extensive fact-finding process for custody cases

Court staff complete specialized training to interview children

Court program bridges justice gap for indigent parents

Douglas County offers domestic reports free of charge, bucking state trend

Manpower shortages delay expansion of court services programs

Douglas County Court Services highlights domestic investigation program

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Douglas County Court Services office presented an overview of its newly developed domestic investigation report program during the Douglas County Commission's March 25 work session. Two Court Services officers who manage the program explained that the initiative provides critical fact-finding reports for child custody and parenting time cases. Since its inception in March 2024, the two-person team has completed 29 reports and currently has nine pending. The program serves to assist district court judges by gathering comprehensive background information on families involved in contentious domestic disputes.

Officers detail extensive fact-finding process for custody cases

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Court Services officers outlined the rigorous, multi-month process behind compiling domestic investigation reports for Douglas County judges. Upon receiving a court order, officers interview parents, review extensive Kansas Department for Children and Families records, check criminal histories and speak with collateral contacts like teachers and therapists. The officers may also conduct home visits to verify basic safety conditions, such as running water and the absence of hazards. Unlike guardian ad litem attorneys, the officers do not make custody recommendations; they strictly gather and present objective information to help judges make informed decisions.

Court staff complete specialized training to interview children

LAWRENCE, Kan. — To better serve families involved in contentious custody battles, Douglas County Court Services officers recently completed child forensic interview training. A Court Services officer explained that while their interviews are not as intensive as those used in criminal investigations, the September 2025 training provided essential tools for communicating with minors safely. The instruction focused on asking age-appropriate questions and making children comfortable during a highly emotional process. Depending on the judge's specific order, officers may interview children to gauge their understanding of the custody situation and their overall well-being.

Court program bridges justice gap for indigent parents

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Douglas County's domestic investigation reports were created to address a gap in access to justice for lower-income families. According to a Court Services officer, the reports offer an alternative to appointing a guardian ad litem, an expensive court-appointed attorney who advocates for children in custody cases. When a judge determines a full guardian ad litem is unnecessary or financially out of reach for indigent parents, the court can order Court Services to step in. The officers conduct neutral fact-finding, allowing families who cannot afford costly legal representation to still have their circumstances thoroughly evaluated by the court.

Douglas County offers domestic reports free of charge, bucking state trend

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Douglas County staff said the investigative reports are provided to families at no cost. During the work session, staff noted that neighboring jurisdictions like Wyandotte and Johnson counties charge parents for similar services, with some fees sometimes waivable by the court. Douglas County's program is currently funded through the district court budget and state salaries, saving local families money during custody proceedings.

Manpower shortages delay expansion of court services programs

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Although the Douglas County Court Services office has goals to expand its domestic programming, current staffing levels are pausing those plans. Chief Court Services Officer Susan Benkelman noted that the two officers handling domestic reports also manage full criminal probation caseloads and write pre-sentence investigation reports for felony cases. The department hopes to eventually offer additional services like conciliation, supervised visitation, parenting coordination and budgeting classes for parents. However, unlike larger counties with dedicated domestic units, Douglas County's limited manpower prevents immediate expansion into these areas.

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