In addition to protecting our physical wellbeing, safe communities also provide justice for citizens.
The Legislature worked this year to ensure Iowans get that access to justice by providing the funding our courts need to offer full-time services, particularly through clerk of court offices and juvenile courts (SF 442).
Clerks help thousands of Iowans every day but because of staff shortages, their offices had been closed part time since the fall of 2009, making it difficult for Iowans to take care of court-related business. Clerks of court manage all court records; notify government agencies of court orders; and process fines, fees, court costs, child support, civil judgments and speeding tickets.
Nearly all court cases in Iowa begin with a filing with a clerk of court. Citizens shouldn’t find a closed sign on the door when they show up to apply for a protective order, access legal documents or pay a bill. That’s why the Legislature approved enough funding this year for the state’s 100 clerk of court offices to be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Keep in mind that some of the smaller offices in our rural counties—Adams, Butler, Calhoun, Greene, Hancock, Humboldt, Iowa, Jones, Lucas, Mitchell, Pocahontas, Ringgold, Taylor, Winnebago, Worth—will close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.
We also made sure Iowa courts have the resources to help Iowa’s troubled youth and their families. Juvenile court officers are key to this process. They work with judges to identify the underlying problems a child may be experiencing. Hiring more juvenile court officers will help the courts meet face-to-face with all young offenders and ensure their needs are met.
This year’s court funding will continue Iowa’s tradition as one of the most responsive and respected court systems in the nation.