Trial Practice Tools and Resources

Administrative Forms and Resources

Appellate Packet for Trial Attorneys

• Notice of Appeal
• Motion for Appointment of Appellate Counsel
• Motion for Fees and Costs of Appeal
• Appellate Assignment Intake Form

CAFL Performance Standards

Case Law

Children Requiring Assistance (CRA)

Courts/Court Rules/Rules of Procedure

DCF Policies and Procedures

Family Assessment  and Action Planning Policy (effective 2/06/2017)

Court Forms

• Juvenile Court Forms
• Probate and Family Court Forms

Court Investigators

• General Information
• Guidelines for Court Investigators

Education

• ESSA – Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015

Experts 

ICWA

• Office of Indian Services
• Practice Advisory January 2017: Child Welfare Proceedings Under the Indian Child Welfare Act: New Regulations in Effect
• New Guidelines for State Courts and Agencies– Issued February 25, 2015

Interlocutory Review (under c. 231, s. 118)

Mentor Program

• Initial Mentor/Mentee Meeting Certification
• Mentee Graduation Form
• Mentor Manual

Practice Tools

• Child Welfare Terms – English to Spanish
• DCF File Checklist
• Foundations Card
• Massachusetts Guide to Evidence
• Memorandum of Understanding DCF and DHCD
• Objections Card
• Procedures Governing Intra-Departmental Transfers and Assignments
• Trial Court Rule XII – Interdepartmental Judicial Assignments
• Trial Notebook Checklist
• Trial Preparation Checklist
• Trial Skills Checklists
• Trial Timeline Quick Guide
• Witness Preparation Checklist

See all Professional Resources