CPCS Website

Bristol County Pathways Training for Attorneys
2021-07-22 14:00 - 16:00 UTC
Learn more about Pathways, the Massachusetts Juvenile Courts’ differentiated case management initiative developed to improve time to permanency for children by ensuring fair, just, and prompt resolution based on individualized assessment of each case, each child, and each family.
Now more than ever, we must work effectively to resolve cases alleging abuse and neglect and to improve outcomes for Massachusetts’ most vulnerable children. Learn about how to enhance your practice when it comes to preparing and presenting cases, case management, addressing permanency, and identifying danger, risk, and safety in care and protection cases. Interested attorneys may earn 2 CLE credits from this training.
Informational Flyer

HOLD: WRM #4 Rebroadcast
2021-07-26 13:00 - 17:00
Potential rebroadcast date for WRM #4

MCLE: Legal Rights of Individuals with Disabilities
2021-07-28 09:30 - 12:30
This program is hosted by MCLE. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there. customerservice@mcle.org. This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.
LIVE WEBCAST: Legal Rights of Individuals with Disabilities
Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
visit MCLE for program and tuition details
REGISTER HERE

Permanency Mediation for Norfolk County
2021-07-28 15:00 - 16:00
This program is hosted by the juvenile court. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there. This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.
We are pleased to announce that Permanency Mediation Services are rolling out statewide. In the next few months the Juvenile Court will be introducing Permanency Mediation Services to each county. Once the rollout is complete in your county you will be invited to submit referrals to the program. Court-Connected Permanency Mediation services are provided through Plummer Youth Promise, Permanency Mediation Services, for free through a contract with the Executive Office of the Trial Court.
Please plan to attend an introductory session to learn more about
Permanency Mediation Services Via ZOOM on
July 28th 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItfumhrzkrGdxMl8Bjp6K0p9-C9xktOXH-
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
[Flyer Attachment]
Permanency Mediation is a support and resource to the Trial Court where DCF is involved

What’s Sex Got to Do with Hope, Healing, and Resilience? Healthy Sexual Development to Improve Outcomes for Youth in Foster Care
2021-08-05 12:00 - 19:30
This program is hosted by the RHEP. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there. This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.

No matter what sector you come from – education, workforce, housing, transportation, child welfare, health, or advocacy – knowing how to support the healthy sexual development of young people is important in supporting them. Sexual and reproductive health intersects with and influences all aspects of the life of a young person in foster care, including their overall social-emotional wellbeing.
As in prior conferences, the 2021 Reproductive Health Equity Project (RHEP) conference will include sessions in three areas: Head, Heart, and Hands. The Head, Heart and Hands framework was developed by Just Communities for talking about and taking action on equity.
“Head” Sessions: Attendees will learn the current data, law, and policy behind sexual and reproductive health for youth in foster care.
“Hands” Sessions: Attendees will hear about exciting new sexual health education and health services that are tailored to youth in foster care and get concrete tools to support the healthy sexual development, bodily autonomy, and decision-making of the young people with whom they work.
“Heart” Sessions: Attendees will be offered the opportunity to think about and re-envision traditional narratives about what it means to support young people’s healthy sexual development and family construction. The expert perspectives of young people with lived experience in the foster care system will be centered and highlighted throughout.
And for 2021, we introduce “Hope”: This year, RHEP will take the Head, Heart, and Hands framework one step further and highlight throughout the day how ‘Hope’ plays a crucial role in young people’s resilience and aspirational healing journeys. Concepts, practices, and opportunities for healing will be interwoven throughout the day.
Join us on August 5th to understand and receive tools to empower youth in foster care to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and reproductive lives and futures.
Certificates of completion provided.

Legal Services of New Jersey Justice Series Substance Use in the Child Welfare System
2021-08-12 14:00 - 15:30
Join us as we explore substance use in thechild welfare system, the stereotypes and
confusion. The webinar focuses on ways
removals can be prevented by supporting
parents with substance use disorders, and
the need for a nationwide culture shift to
prevent removals.
We’ll also discuss the Adoption and Safe
Families Act (ASFA), which requires states
to file a termination of parental rights (TPR)
petition for any child who has remained
in foster care for 15 of the previous 22
months. ASFA presents major challenges
to parents suffering from substance use
disorders.
Due to limited treatment programs and services, they face delays in
completing their case plans within the ASFA timeline.

[Information Flyer]

Legal Services of New Jersey Justice Series Substance Use in the Child Welfare System
2021-08-12 14:00 - 15:30
This program is hosted by the LSNJ. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there. This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.

Join us as we explore substance use in the child welfare system, the stereotypes and
confusion. The webinar focuses on ways removals can be prevented by supporting parents with substance use disorders, and the need for a nationwide culture shift to prevent removals.
We’ll also discuss the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), which requires states to file a termination of parental rights (TPR) petition for any child who has remained in foster care for 15 of the previous 22 months. ASFA presents major challenges to parents suffering from substance use disorders. Due to limited treatment programs and services, they face delays in completing their case plans within the ASFA timeline.
[Informational Flyer]

44th National Child Welfare Law Conference | From Crisis to Innovation: Toward a Family-Centered Justice System
2021-08-13 08:00 - 2021-08-18 17:00
This program is hosted by NACC. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there. This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.

Once again, the top leaders in child welfare law will come together – onsite and online!
This continues to be a critical time for community, information-sharing, and dialogue as we redefine advocacy during a public health crisis and a movement to end racism and bias in child welfare. NACC is balancing the gradual return of onsite gatherings with providing an alternative for attendees who need or prefer an online event.
In-Person Dates: NACC’s onsite conference will be held in Denver, Colorado, August 14-15, 2021. The Children’s Law Office Convening is Friday, August 13, 2021 and the Lunch and Learn session is Saturday, August 14, 2021.
Online Dates: NACC’s online conference will be August 16-18, 2021 in the comfort of your home, office, park –or the Hyatt Regency Denver. If an onsite conference is not possible due to public health concerns, the NACC conference will be entirely online from August 16-18, 2021.

Dual Conference (onsite and online)
Early Registration Rates (through 7/15)

Online-Only Conference
Early Registration Rates (through 7/15)

$ 375 CWLS
$ 400 NACC Members
$ 600 Non-Members
$ 275 CWLS
$ 300 NACC Members
$ 500 Non-Members

Regular Registration Rates (starting 7/16)
Regular Registration Rates (starting 7/16)

$ 375 CWLS
$ 500 NACC Members
$ 700 Non-Members
$ 275 CWLS
$ 400 NACC Members
$ 600 Non-Members

Linking the Past to Our Advocacy: Lessons from Lowell's Black History Trail
2021-08-25 08:00 - 17:00
Approved for 1.5 hours of CAFL, YAD, and Adult Criminal CLE
RSVP to Deb (dfreitas@freitas-law.com) or Cris (cfreitas@freitas-law.com) so that we can have a headcount for ice cream.
See attached flyer for more information including parking and directions. Lowell Black History CLE Flyer Sept 23 Updated
The CLE, “Linking the Past to Our Advocacy: Lessons from Lowell’s Black History Trail” will be held outdoors–rain or shine– during lunchtime (since the trail runs very close to the Lowell Justice Center) and ends at our office for an ice cream social/debrief.
We’ll be walking the entire Lowell Black History Trail which consists of 16 pop-up markers throughout downtown Lowell. Feel free to bring a mask (or not) and socially distance (or not) during the walk–no judging, just walking. We’ll reflect on each of the markers and will have a few opportunities to discuss how lessons from the past can help us better advocate for our clients. At certain markers, they’ll be a chance to win *really cool* (legal term) prizes for participation in the discussion! The CLE will end at Freitas & Freitas, LLP, 256 Middlesex Street, for a free ice cream social (individually packaged, of course). Grab free water and a cool summer treat to take back with you to court, eat outside, or enjoy in the air conditioning with colleagues! Check out the attached flyer for more details and parking tips.
BONUS: In our loop back for the ice cream social, we’ll also be admiring the Black History Art Walk banners hanging on the street lamps on Middlesex Street from the RMV garage up to the Courthouse.

Update on Court Procedures and Safety Protocols During Pandemic
2021-09-01 15:00 - 16:30
September 1, 3-4:30
Sponsored by Essex County Juvenile Court
Approved for 1.5 CLEs

Private Counsel Security Training
2021-09-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2021-09-14 11:00 - 12:00
📝Meeting Registration
A morning & afternoon session are available —
Sept. 8, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
OR
Sept. 14, 11:00am-12:00pm
Both sessions will be the same training — please only register for one!

CAFL Trial Panel Training (September 9 – October 20, 2021)
2021-09-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2021-09-14 09:00 - 12:30, 2021-09-17 09:00 - 12:30, 2021-09-20 09:00 - 12:30, 2021-09-23 09:00 - 12:30
CAFL Trial Panel Training (September 9 – October 20, 2021)
CPCS is now accepting applications for its Fall 2021 CAFL Trial Panel Certification Training to represent children and parents in care and protection/termination of parental rights cases. The on line training includes a mix of substantial self-directed learning and live Zoom sessions two mornings a week for four weeks. The training concludes with a full day mock hearing. Preference will be given to attorneys who submit applications by August 9 and who commit to accepting cases in central and western Massachusetts, where we currently have an attorney shortage. The agency actively seeks to diversify its private attorney panel membership.
The training will be a mix of live on-line sessions and substantial self-directed learning. The training will begin with an orientation via Zoom on Thursday, September 9 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. The live sessions will be held from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM on the following dates: September 14, 17, 20, 23, 27, 30, and October 4 and 7. Attorneys accepted into the training will also complete a mock hearing over two mornings on either October 14-15 or October 19-20.
For more information about the training and to download the application, click [here].

Hearsay, Medical Records Exception, And How to Navigate Your Cases After MATTER OF P.R.
2021-09-10 11:00 - 12:30
Please join the MHLD Training Unit, along with MHLD Appeals Attorney Devorah Vester and Roxbury Trial Attorney Rachel Chunnha, for a training to review and discuss the recent SJC case, Matter of P.R. You do not need to register in advance and there is no limit on attendees! Please see the Zoom information below to mark your calendars.
1.5 MH Credits
This training will give you tools to:

Understand the roadmap for keeping out inadmissible hearsay on direct of petitioner’s witnesses;
Negotiate with petitioner’s counsel about the admission of medical records; and
Strategize about your cross-examination of witnesses.

We suggest you read the case and the Practice Alert (posted to the listserv on August 13) before the training and come with any questions as we will have lots of time for discussion. Please continue to send Miriam Ruttenberg and Beau Kealy any information about how P.R. has been affecting your cases. As always, please post your questions and lessons learned to the listserv so all can benefit.

Time: Sep 10, 2021, 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting @ 11:00 AM on September 10th
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84261408175?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 842 6140 8175
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Brown Bag training on delays in TCHs and motions
2021-09-13 13:00 - 14:00
This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.

Topic: Brown Bag training on delays in TCHs and motions
Time: Sep 13, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86917003036?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 869 1700 3036
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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MHLD Civil Commitment Certification Training
2021-09-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2021-09-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2021-09-21 13:00 - 15:00
CPCS Fall 2021 Training to Represent People Facing Civil Commitment and Related Forced Medication Petitions
The Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) of the Committee for Public Counsel Services is seeking qualified attorneys to represent clients in civil commitment and forced medication cases in District and Boston Municipal Courts. In Massachusetts, people experiencing psychiatric distress can be involuntarily detained at psychiatric facilities, committed for up to six months or a year, and treated with anti-psychotic medications against their wishes. These substantial deprivations of liberty entitle people to court-appointed counsel to ensure that all their rights under the law are protected. Civil commitment cases offer frequent and fast-paced litigation experience, client contact, and the satisfaction of providing zealous client-centered advocacy to some of the most misjudged and undervalued clients in the Commonwealth.
Admission to the MHLD trial panel is by application only. All attorneys who accept CPCS assignments are required to maintain professional liability insurance. Completed applications must be submitted by Monday, July 26, 2021.
For more information and application click link below (or see attached Word Document):
http://localhost/cpcs/train/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/Final-Announcement-Fall-2021-Commitment-Certification-Training.docx

Franklin/Hampshire Pathways Training for Attorneys
2021-09-15 14:00 - 16:00
This program is hosted by the juvenile court. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there. This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.
Pathways training flyer – Franklin Hamp attorneys 9-15-21 (1)

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC): An Essential Tool to Providing Permanency
2021-09-17 13:00 - 14:30
This program is hosted by the NACC. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there. This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC): An Essential Tool to Providing Permanency
September 17, 2021
1:00 – 2:30 PM EST
Navigating the ICPC in 50 plus states and territories can be a daunting task. While the ICPC regulations are the same in each state and territory, the focus and application of each can be different. The presenters have dealt with numerous ICPC issues involving many states and have become familiar with the common scenarios that face child representatives and child welfare agencies. Participants will learn the ICPC basics and will work through scenarios to show how the Compact can be utilized to solve common ICPC problems, roadblocks, and utilized to achieve positive permanency outcomes for children and their families.

1.5 CLE

Brady and Protective Orders: Managing the Insanity
2021-09-20 13:00 - 14:00
Brady and Protective Orders: Managing the Insanity
Join us for a Brown Bag (Lunchtime) Webinar on September 20th from 1 – 2PM on Zoom to discuss strategies for what to do when the prosecution responds to our Brady demands by seeking protective orders. Our Guests are Mark Booker, Ben Evans and Jason Green. Hosted by CDTU.
1 CLE: Adult Criminal, Adult Criminal Appeals, YAD, YAD Appeals
Register Here

Everything the CAFL Trial Attorney Needs to Know About Appeals
2021-09-21 14:00 - 15:30
Worcester County
CAFL Training Virtual Seminar Notice

CANCELLED: Enhancing Legal Representation Through Social Work Intervention: A Meet and Greet
2021-09-22 13:00 - 15:00
*** This meeting has been cancelled ***
*for CAFL private counsel practicing in Barnstable, Nantucket, and Dukes Counties
Join us as we discuss the benefits, strategies, and “nuts and bolts” of using social workers in your CAFL cases AND meet the vendors doing the work!
This forum will allow CAFL private panel attorneys to learn how social workers can help in the holistic representation of CAFL clients as they strive to meet their legal and life goals and will give them the chance to meet private social work vendors for Barnstable, Nantucket, and Dukes Counties. The vendors will have a chance to introduce themselves with a brief overview of their areas of expertise/experience.
2 CAFL CLE
Presented by Meg Grant, Director of Private Social Work Services, CAFL

Everything the CAFL Trial Attorney Needs to Know About Appeals
2021-09-22 14:00 - 15:30
CAFL Training Virtual Seminar Notice
Everything the CAFL Trial Attorney Needs to Know About Appeals
September 22, 2021 02:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Eligible for 1.5 CLE Credits
Come hear from the CAFL Appellate Panel Support Unit about protecting your client’s appellate rights. We will cover:

the rules for filing an appeal, securing a stay, and ensuring that appellate counsel is appointed
tips for working with the other attorney for your client
the division of labor between trial and appellate counsel
issue preservation, including objections, offers of proof, and other methods
the role of trial counsel and appellate counsel after the client has won or lost the appeal
and many other topics

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMud–urjwiHtLe2VoDu3YPvf38qPzwV6Lh
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

MGA and SLL Annual Guardianship Conference Webinar
2021-09-23 09:00 - 12:00
This program is hosted by Social Law Library. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there (msaporito@socialaw.com). This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.
MGA and SLL Annual Guardianship Conference Webinar – Guardianships, Conservatorships and Alternatives Thereto
September 23 & 30, 2021 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
CLE: 3 hours per day for MHLD Panel; 1.5 CLE for CAFL (day two only)
Click link for registration and more information
https://www.socialaw.com/mga2021

MGA and SLL Annual Guardianship Conference: GUARDIANSHIPS, CONSERVATORSHIPS AND ALTERNATIVES THERETO
2021-09-23 09:00 - 12:00
This program is hosted by Social Law Library. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there (msaporito@socialaw.com) This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.
September 23 & September 30, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
PROGRAM FEE: $125 to attend both sessions. $75 to attend one day.
CPCS has approved this program for 3.0 credit hours per day for MHLD panels and for 1.5 hours for CAFL for Day 2 only.
Registration Information: http://socialaw.com/mga2021
