What is Forms Camp 2024?

NCSC staff will provide intensive training and technical assistance to help courts revise one form or a small set of forms to improve plain language and readability. Your court will identify one form, or a small set of forms to work on throughout the project. At the end of camp, your materials will be redesigned, translated into plain language, and user tested.

Who should apply?

NCSC will select groups to participate in Forms Camp 2024 through a competitive application process.

How many people from my court can attend?

Your court should assemble a small group to participate. Every jurisdiction’s forms process is different, so think carefully about who should be at the table. Suggestions include staff who work on court forms, a judge, a subject matter expert, a clerk, legal aid or self-help, and access to justice staff.

When is Forms Camp 2024?

Cohorts will meet for 10 virtual sessions from August 2024 to January 2025. Some sessions will be plenary. The rest will be site specific where you will work on your forms with your team.

How do I prepare for Forms Camp 2024?

First, your court will need to select a form, or small set of forms that you’d like to work on. Plan for about 12 hours of training and meeting time. Expect to spend 15 to 20 additional hours on homework assignments, forms work, and user testing that will be completed outside of meeting time.

How much does Forms Camp cost?

Forms Camp 2024 is offered to courts free of charge. Forms Camp 2024 was developed under grant number SJI-24P020 from the State Justice Institute. The points of view expressed in Forms Camp 2024 do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the State Justice Institute.

This sounds great! How can my court apply?

Preview the application so you can prepare to apply.

When you’re ready, apply here. Applications are due by 5 p.m. ET on Monday, July 1st, 2024.

We will prioritize applications from courts that are interested in working to create or revise forms that address family law issues such as divorce, child custody, and domestic violence. If you have a different form in mind, that’s ok! Please still apply.

Find out if you’re in – NCSC will let you know by July 31, 2024.

Participate in camp – Sessions run from mid-August through early January. The first session will be on Wednesday, August 14 2024, from 2 - 3 p.m. ET.  Please save this date.

Questions? Contact Lonni Summers.