A New Method of Assessing Judicial Workload in Juvenile Dependency Cases By Alicia Summers, Stephanie O. Macgill, Sophia I. Gatowski, Jesse R. Russell, and Steve Wood ABSTRACT This article describes a new method for calculating judicial workload in depen- dency or child abuse and neglect cases. In contrast to traditional judicial workload methods, the method described herein produces estimates of judicial workload that take into account the complex role of the juvenile dependency court judge—a role that includes both on- and off-the-bench activities. The method provides workload estimates that give guidance to courts not only about the minimally sufficient judicial resources needed to accommodate current caseload needs, but also what level of judicial resources would be required to hold substantive dependency court hearings that comport with nationally recognized practice recommendations. The article reviews commonly used judicial workload methods, outlines the new method, and uses a pilot of the method as an example of how the method works in practice. Broader implications of this workload method are also discussed. Identifying factors that might contribute to delays in timely permanency for abuse and neglect victims has been a focus of many juvenile dependency researchers (e.g. Benedict & White, 1991; Courtney, 1994; Fernandez & Lee, 2011; Harris & Courtney, 2003). This focus comes from not only an effort to identify ways to improve outcomes for children and families, but also an interest in helping juvenile dependency courts meet their federal requirements and state goals in this area. The Adoption and Alicia Summers, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Associate at the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Correspondence: asummers@ncjfcj.org Stephanie O. Macgill, M.P.A., is a Research Associate at the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Sophia I. Gatowski, Ph.D., is Director of Systems Change Solutions, Inc., in Vancouver, B.C. Jesse R. Russell, Ph.D., is Director of Research-Midwest with the National Council on Crime and Delinquency. Steve Wood, M.S., is a Research Assistant at the University of Nevada, Reno. Acknowledgements: This research was conducted in partnership with the Washington Adminis- trative Office of the Courts. Juvenile and Family Court Journal 64, no. 2 (Spring) 35 © 2013 National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges