The Judicial Council is authorized to conduct institutes and seminars from time to time, either regionally or on a statewide basis, for the purpose of orienting judges to new judicial assignments, keeping them informed concerning new developments in the law and promoting uniformity in judicial procedure. Such institutes and seminars shall include, without being limited thereto, consideration of juvenile court proceedings, sentencing practices in criminal cases and the handling of traffic cases. Actual and necessary expenses incurred by superior and municipal court judges at any such institute or seminar shall be a charge against the county to the extent that funds are available therefor.

In carrying out its duties under this article, the Judicial Council may publish and distribute manuals, guides, checklists and other materials designed to assist the judiciary.

parties, and, on and after July 1, 1994, the effects of allegations of child abuse or neglect made during family law proceedings.

To the extent resources are available, the Judicial Council shall provide education on mental health and developmental disability issues affecting juveniles in delinquency proceedings pursuant to Section 602 of the Welfare and Institutions Code to judicial officers and, as appropriate, to other public officers and entities that may be involved in the arrest, evaluation, prosecution, defense, disposition, and postdisposition or placement phases of delinquency proceedings. The education shall include, to the extent possible, using available resources, information on the early identification of mental illness or developmental disability in delinquency proceedings, on statutory and case law providing for the assessment or evaluation of minors with mental health problems or developmental disabilities, on specialized adjudication or disposition procedures, such as mental health courts, that may apply to these minors, and on appropriate programs, services, and placements for minors with mental health problems or developmental disabilities, including information on the benefits and detriments of placing minors with mental health problems or developmental disabilities in secure juvenile justice facilities, such as the Department of the Youth Authority.

Notwithstanding subdivisions (f) and (g) of Section 1770, the Judicial Council may grant any judge a leave of absence for a period not to exceed one year for the purpose of permitting study which will benefit the administration of justice and the individual’s performance of judicial duties, upon a finding that the absence will not work to the detriment of the court. During a study leave, the judge shall receive no compensation, nor shall the period of absence count as service toward retirement, but the time of leave shall not toll the term of office.

particularly children, and to make appropriate custody decisions that prioritize child safety and well-being and are culturally sensitive and appropriate for diverse communities.

relationship dynamics within the cycle of violence.

The Judicial Council shall report to the Legislature and the relevant policy committees, on or before January 1, 2025, and each January thereafter, on the trainings for judicial officers provided pursuant to Section 68555. The report shall include both of the following: