Bill H.36, introduced by Representatives Goodnow and LaLonde, aims to enhance the availability of family forensic evaluators in Vermont's Family Division of the Superior Court. The bill recognizes the critical role these mental health professionals play in providing evaluations that inform court decisions in complex child welfare and parenting cases. It highlights the current shortage of such evaluators, which hampers the judicial system's ability to resolve matters efficiently and in the best interests of children.

To address this issue, the bill requests that the Chief Superior Judge, the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation, and the Executive Director of the Vermont Psychological Association collaborate to assess the need for family forensic evaluators, identify barriers to their availability, and develop strategies to increase their numbers in the state. The recommendations from this collaborative effort are to be submitted to the General Assembly by November 1, 2025. The act is set to take effect upon passage.