Y.O. Sentencing 101
2022-03-31 15:00 - 16:30 UTC
(1.5 CLE YAD Trial Panel & YAD Appeals)
Are you confused by the Y.O. sentencing options? Need a refresher? What to review strategies for getting the best sentence?
Join us on March 31st from 3-4:30pm as we review how this unique sentencing structure works!
Faculty:
Dana Sargent (Juvenile Supervising Attorney Bristol County) &
Holly Smith (Attorney-in-Charge YAD Malden)
Register here

Judge William G. Young on Using the Rules of Evidence to Persuade
2022-03-31 16:30 - 18:30
This event is not sponsored by CPCS. Please reach out to the organizer listed below with any questions.
Join Judge William G. Young of the U.S. District Court for this popular series on evidence and trial practice. Using the Rules of Evidence to Persuade takes you through the essentials of discovery, motion practice and trial. Don’t miss this unique opportunity!
Live webcast March 15, 24, & 31, 2022, 4:30-6:30pm;
Recorded webcast March 31, April 7, & April 14, 2022, 12:00-2:00 &
April 8, April 15, & April 29, 2022, 9:00-11:00;
6 CAFL Credits

CAFL Trial Panel Training (March 17- May 3rd)
2022-04-04 08:30 - 12:30, 2022-04-07 08:30 - 12:30, 2022-04-11 08:30 - 12:30, 2022-04-14 08:30 - 12:30
CPCS is now accepting applications for its Spring 2022 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 two half-days in the morning. Preference will be given to attorneys who submit applications by January 28th 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.
For more information about the training and to download the application download the following: Training Notice and Application.
** Please note that as of July 1, 2021, the rate of payment for work billed on CAFL cases (excluding Child Requiring Assistance cases) has been increased to $75/hr.

MLRI: Unemployment Insurance
2022-04-04 13:00 - 16:30
This event is not sponsored by CPCS. Please contact MCLE with any questions or concerns.
MLRI: Unemployment Insurance
live webcast March 10, 2022, 1:00-4:30; recorded webcast March 25, 2022 & April 4, 2022, 1:00-4:30; 3.5 CAFL Credits

CPCS Bar Advocate Training - Zealous Advocacy in the District Courts
2022-04-05 13:00 - 16:00, 2022-04-06 13:00 - 16:00, 2022-04-07 13:00 - 16:00, 2022-04-12 13:00 - 16:00, 2022-04-14 13:00 - 16:00
Certification Training program for attorneys seeking to accept criminal cases in the District Courts. The course is a combination of on your own, self directed work using our online learning platform Talent LMS in addition to three live zoom sessions per week to practice skills exercises. The course runs over six weeks. To apply, please complete the application and send a copy to both CPCS Training Department and to the county bar advocate program that you want to practice from. In order to be placed into the training program, your application must first be approved/accepted by a County Bar Advocate Program. Link to Application below
CPCS Bar Advocate Training Application
The cost for the training program is $175.00. More details and registration information will be sent to accepted applicants.
The dates of the training program are as follows
March 25th 3pm to 4:30 pm – Introduction/Welcome Day
March 28-April 1 – Self directed work on your own
April 5 – May 5, 2022 (Mondays Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1pm to 4pm on Zoom) (some days may run until 4:30 pm)

Gender Identity and Affirming Care Training: 3 Part Series
2022-04-05 14:00 - 16:00
A child’s gender identity impacts every aspect of their daily life, including the experiences they have within the DCF system. Join us for this important three-part training series focused on better understanding gender identity to enhance our representation of children who are transgender and nonbinary and their parents.
Part 1: April 5, 2022 from 2:00-4:00pm
Learn about the unique healthcare needs of transgender and nonbinary children, including gender affirming medications.
Jessica Kremen, MD & Francie Mandel, MSW, LICSW
Gender Multispecialty Service (GeMS) at Boston Children’s Hospital
Approved for 2 CAFL CLEs
Part 2: May 3, 2022 from 2:00-4:00pm
Learn about DCF’s Gender Affirming Medication Consent Policy, practical issues, and strategies to hold DCF to task.
Danny Flynn, Amy Karp, Katy Krywonis
Approved for 2 CAFL CLEs
Part 3: May 17, 2022 from 2:00-4:00pm
Learn about the magnitude of issues transgender and nonbinary children face in the DCF system, how to talk to children about their gender identity, and how to talk to parents about their child’s gender identity.
Connor Barusch, Katy Krywonis, Skailer Qvistgaard
Approved for 2 CAFL CLEs
Register in advance here.
This three-part series will build on the lessons from each session. Attendance at all three sessions is not required to participate, but is recommended.
As always, if you have any questions about this training program, please email us at cafltraining@localhost/cpcs.

22nd Annual School Law Conference 2022
2022-04-06 09:30 - 16:00
This event is not sponsored by CPCS. Please contact MCLE with any questions or concerns.
22nd Annual School Law Conference 2022
in person April 6, 2022, 9:30-4:00; live webcast April 6, 2022, 9:30-4:00; recorded webcast April 6, 2022, 9:30-4:00 & April 21, 2022, 9:30-4:00; 5.5 CAFL Credits

CAFL Essex, Middlesex, Worcester Case Law Update
2022-04-06 14:00 - 16:00
Training Notice: 2021-2022 CAFL CASE LAW UPDATE
April 6, 2022
2:00 – 4:00 PM
2 CLE Credits
Join us for this free two-hour live webinar where presenters will discuss the published cases, hot off the press from 2021-2022. Presenters will provide a brief overview of the case facts, holdings, and possible application in your practice. Participants will also be provided with handouts with recent cases and information on how to access additional new resources, such as DCF reports, resources, and policies.
Presenter include:

William Comeau, CAFL Resource Attorney, Worcester County
Michael Penta, CAFL Appellate Mentor
Peri Beltre, CAFL Trial Attorney, Essex County
Ann Narris, Supervising Attorney, CAFL Appellate Panel Support Unit

To register, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caselaw-update-webinar-essex-worcester-middlsex-counties-tickets-272882467807

If you have any questions about this training, please contact Resource Attorney Frances Weiner at: fweiner@bradleymoorelaw.com

Defending Emerging Adults with Adolescent Development Science
2022-04-07 08:00 - 17:00
With a focus on the case of Commonwealth vs. Mattis, Ryan Schiff will walk us through how the science of adolescence can be used to advocate for 18 – 20 y.o. clients. Discussion topics include: key takeaways from the science, determining the type of expert to use, and strategizing around how scientific evidence can help your client.
Faculty: Ryan Schiff, Esq, Elkins, Auer, Rudof & Schiff.
Register Here
1.5 CLE Adult Criminal Trial, Adult Criminal Appeals, YAD Trial, YAD Appeals, SORB/SDP

MLRI: Immigrants & Public Benefits
2022-04-07 09:30 - 16:00
This event is not sponsored by CPCS. Please contact MCLE with any questions or concerns.
MLRI: Immigrants & Public Benefits
live webcast April 7, 2022, 9:30-4:00; recorded webcast April 22, 2022, 9:30-4:00 & May 2, 2022, 9:30-4:00; 5.5 CAFL Credits

Ins and Outs of Restraining Orders
2022-04-07 12:00 - 13:00
This event is not sponsored by CPCS. Please contact MCLE with any questions or concerns.
Ins and Outs of Restraining Orders
live webcast March 15, 2022, 1:00-2:00; recorded webcast March 30, 2022, 10:00-11:00 & April 7, 2022, 12:00-1:00; 1 CAFL Credit

Why Race Matters: Spotting Issue of Expert Bias in the Courtroom
2022-04-07 13:00 - 16:00
Why Race Matters // April 7Spotting Issue of Expert Bias in the Courtroom
Speaker: Dr. Itiel Dror
Thursday April 7, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Biases plague many domains of our life, and the legal system is no exception. Therefore, experts are heavily relied upon as their judgment and decision making is regarded as objective and impartial. Drawing from the field of criminal justice, I will present research and evidence from real casework that many different types of biases affect even experts, including fingerprinting and DNA forensic laboratory decision making. Legal and forensic evaluations are highly impacted (and can be distorted) by irrelevant contextual information or even by the context in which information is presented or obtained. Confirmation bias and other cognitive biases that I will discuss are implicit and impact hard working, dedicated and competent experts, and thus are widespread but hard to detect. I will articulate the psychological mechanisms by which forensic and other experts make biased and erroneous decisions. Then I will show how this research can assist in identifying and exposing such weaknesses and in providing practical ways to mitigate them.

To register:
Sign up at https://whyracematters22.eventbrite.com
To join the webinar:
Go to the Online Event page (Online Event Page | Eventbrite ) and click ‘Join Now’ or ‘Open in Zoom.
You can also join using the Zoom link in the confirmation & reminder emails from Zoom.

DOING HARM BY DOING GOOD: The unintended consequences of well-intentioned professional practice in family law cases
2022-04-08 12:00 - 16:15
This event is not sponsored by CPCS. Please contact the organizer listed below with any questions.
The topic of this conference is intended to raise consciousness among all practitioners (GAL’s, PC’s, attorneys, therapists) who work with high conflict families.
See this Flyer for more information.
Register Here

Making Objections Workshop 2022
2022-04-11 12:30 - 16:30
This event is not sponsored by CPCS. Please contact MCLE with any questions or concerns.
Making Objections Workshop 2022
in person March 25, 2022, 12:30-4:30pm; live webcast March 25, 2022, 12:30-4:30; recorded webcast April 11, 2022, 12:30-4:30 & April 19, 2022, 9:30-1:30; 4 CAFL Credits

Competency and Client-Centered Advocacy: Bridging the Gap Between Criminal Defense and Mental Health Cases
2022-04-11 13:00 - 16:00
Competency and Client-Centered Advocacy: Bridging the Gap Between Criminal Defense and Mental Health Cases
Join us on Zoom on April 11, 2022, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
The Criminal and Mental Health Training Units are hosting a collaborative and interactive conversation to give you tools to better represent your next client with a criminal case and related mental health evaluation or commitment. We will be reviewing competency, mental illness, and 16(f) and discussing:

What should criminal defense attorneys do when your client presents with mental health issues that concern you?
What should mental health lawyers know about their commitment client’s criminal case?
Should these lawyers be talking to each other and their common client together?

Register here for Competency and Client-Centered Advocacy
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information and the link to joining the training. Please save that link in your calendar/pin the email to the top of your inbox so you can locate it at the time of the training.
Approved for 3 CLE Credits: Mental Health, Adult Criminal, Criminal Appeals, YAD and YAD Appeals
If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this training, please contact Kristen Munichiello at kmunichiello@localhost/cpcs at least one week in advance of the training.

Revolutionary Change in Child Welfare: An Antiracist Framework
2022-04-11 15:00 - 16:30
Join Us For A Collaborative Training with Dr. Jessica Pryce on April 11, 2022, 3:00 4:30PM
And
Save the Date A Facilitated Conversation On Putting this Framework into Practice May 9, 2022, 3:00 5:00PM
Revolutionary change is needed to ensure our family support systems are equitable for all. Join Dr. Pryce as we explore how to change systems by looking inward, examining power dynamics and privilege within systems. Dr. Pryce will help the audience identify their own personal and institutional philosophies, mindsets, and values and how shifting those toward antiracism will lead to true systemic change. Every child and family serving professional will learn how to meaningfully partner with families and co design a path forward. Introductory Remarks: Sarita Rogers, Children’s Trust Closing Remarks: Meri Viano , Parent/Professional Advocacy League And Save the date on May 9, 2022 for a facilitated conversation on putting this framework into practice. More info to come!
Register here for April 11 Training
In Partnership with:
Court Improvement Program Administrative Office of the Juvenile Court
Department of Children & Families CPCS CAFL Racial Justice Task Force
Department of Youth Services JDAI CPCS Training Department

Establishing Parentage for LGBTQ Parents
2022-04-12 09:30 - 11:30
This event is not sponsored by CPCS. Please contact MCLE with any questions or concerns.
Establishing Parentage for LGBTQ Parents
live webcast March 28, 2022, 2:00-4:00; recorded webcast April 12, 2022, 9:30-11:30 & April 20, 2022, 12:00–2:00; 2 CAFL Credits

Innovative Perspectives on Research and Practice in Criminal Justice: The Intersection of Interprofessional Care and Transformative Justice
2022-04-13 11:00 - 2022-04-26 16:00
This event is not sponsored by CPCS. Please contact the event organizer listed below with any questions.
This interactive, four-part series led by collaborative experts in the field will explore the intersections of criminal justice with occupational justice. This learning experience has been designed to involve consumers, practitioners, and researchers, in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, law, and others, in consideration of these important issues. The series will include an overview of the current criminal justice system, its population and disparities, and modern efforts towards reform. From a lifespan perspective, we will explore the experiences from preconception, youth, and through older adulthood that contribute to incarceration, and we present suggestions for prevention and intervention.
Register Here

Special Immigration Issues for Juvenile Cases
2022-04-13 14:00 - 17:00
This event is not sponsored by CPCS. Please contact MCLE with any questions or concerns.
Special Immigration Issues for Juvenile Cases
live webcast April 13, 2022, 2:00-5:00; recorded webcast April 28, 2022, 2:00-5:00 & May 6, 2022, 9:30-12:30; 3 CAFL Credits

CAFL follow up to Why Race Matters #3 - Spotting Bias
2022-04-13 15:00 - 16:30
Spotting Issues of Expert Bias in the Courtroom CAFL Follow up, April 13, 3:00-4:30
For those who were able to attend the Why Race Matters Speaker Series with Dr. Itiel Dror on April 7th, we will continue the conversation on bias as it applies in CAFL cases. We will brainstorm how and where such bias arises in our cases.

Register Here

Family Law Evidence 2022
2022-04-13 16:00 - 18:00
This event is not sponsored by CPCS. Please contact the organizer listed below with any questions.
The judges on the panel drafted—and will present for general discussion—a hypothetical case study that raises a variety of practical and problematic evidentiary issues in the cases that they are hearing and you are trying every day. Issues around the challenges of virtual trials and evidentiary hearings will also be addressed.
This online CLE will not be a series of dry lectures on the “Black Letter” rules of evidence. Rather, it will be an interactive discussion of how judges rule on evidentiary issues that are rarely black and white in family-law cases.
For More Information Click Here

Issue-spotting for Racial Bias in MHLD Cases
2022-04-14 14:00 - 16:00
Mental Health Litigation Training Unit joined by MHLD Strategic Litigation Group, Project Ruby Rogers, in conjunction with the Why Race Matters Series Presents:
Issue-spotting for Racial Bias in MHLD Cases
To effectively advocate and tell your clients’ stories, you need to be aware of how race and racial bias impacts their entry into the mental health system and the treatment they received in the case in which you represent them before the court.
Come join us on April 14th from 2-4pm
2 CLE Credits
This training will expand upon what we will learn at the 3rd Session of the Why Race Matters Speaker Series on April 7 from 1:00pm-4:00pm: Spotting Issues of Expert Bias in the Courtroom which we hope you will attend. On April 7th, presenter, Dr. Itiel Dror, will present research and evidence from real casework reflecting the psychological mechanisms by which forensic and other experts make biased and erroneous decisions and how exposing such weaknesses of the experts can be used in our cases for our clients’ benefit. Register here for the 2022 Why Race Matters Speaker Series: client centered advocacy.
Our training will begin with a Panel Discussion to explore how race impacts our BIPOC clients disparately in the mental health system in how they are diagnosed and treated by mental health providers, and how our practice and work with experts requires cultural competency and the inclusion of racial trauma screening and treatment.
We will then break out into small groups with MHLD staff as faculty to review commitment and guardianship records together to issue-spot for racially charged language and references to our clients. We will brainstorm ways to practically apply the use of this identified information together with what we know about racial bias and its impact on experts, to litigate race and educate the court.
After the training, you will be able to:

Understand how racial bias impacts our BIPOC clients
Identify racially charged language in medical records
Recognize ways to educate the court about the impact of racial bias on our clients which results in disparate diagnosis/misdiagnosis and treatment

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtduCorTwtHd323V-1Z41VOmVmjeMyG1_i
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Please save this confirmation email where you will be able to find it at the time of the training (put it in your calendar/set a reminder/etc.) We will not be able to respond to requests for the link within 30 minutes of the training start time.

Competency in Juvenile Court: Getting Your Incompetent Client’s Case Dismissed & Avoiding Hospitalization
2022-04-14 14:30 - 16:00
Join us as we explore strategies to get your incompetent juvenile client’s case dismissed and discuss how to minimize the risk of hospitalization.
April 14th 2:30-4:00pm
(1.5 YAD CLE’s)
Faculty:
Charity Kruzel, YAD Springfield
Eliza Lockhart-Jenks, YAD Malden
Register Here
