Did you know that every month DCF takes about $500,000 of foster children’s SSI and Social Security survivors’ benefits and funnels the money into the Massachusetts general fund? Please join national and local experts to learn what you can do to protect these federal benefits for children and families. We will discuss SSI and Social Security eligibility requirements, DCF’s obligation to screen and apply for benefits; recent changes to DCF regulations regarding its handling of children’s benefits; and legal and practical strategies for ensuring SSI and Social Security payments are conserved for the benefit of children and families. Our expert presenters include: Amy Harfeld, National Policy Director at the Children’s Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C., and local experts Rick Glassman and Linda Landry from the Massachusetts Disability Law Center.
Approved for 2 CAFL CLEs.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcO6oqzguE9RStKcmm5aHvKNcuXznywUB
Tag Archives: CAFL
Issue Spotting Part One of “After the TCH”
The Temporary Custody Hearing just ended. DCF has been awarded Temporary Custody. What do you do now? Identifying the potential issues in the case is a critical step for developing a comprehensive case plan. Join us for this zoom training designed to assist you in ferreting out the key issues in your cases. We start with a new, completely original CAFL hypothetical. And it is packed with issues. Your homework is to read the hypothetical and watch a short video. Then join us on May 23rd for the zoom training. After a brief introduction, we will break into small groups where we can unpack the issues presented in the hypothetical. When we rejoin the large group, we will compare lists and discuss how to use this list in your case planning.
This is the first training in the “After the TCH” series. It will be followed later in the year with a training entitled “What to Do After the 72”. CAFL hopes to add to the series as time permits.
REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpf-ygqzstE9Yzpzr8qc0offyY-RDgAvhn
3 CLEs
Training to Represent Children, Parents and Guardians in Guardianship of Minor Proceedings in the Probate and Family Court
This spring CAFL is presenting a training program for attorneys who wish to become certified to represent children, parents and guardians in guardianship of minor proceedings in the Probate and Family Court. The training is open to all CAFL staff attorneys, as well as all private CAFL attorneys in good standing on the care and protection trial panel. (Staff attorneys should check in with their AIC before registering.) If you are already certified to take guardianship of minor cases in the Probate and Family Court and want to come to the training for a refresher, you are welcome. If you are not sure if you are certified to take guardianship cases, please contact Rita Caso at rcaso@publiccounsel.net to find out.
The training will be a mix of in person live sessions and self-directed work. The live sessions will take place on May 11 and May 18 from 2:00-4:30. Attendees will be required to watch recorded lectures and complete assignments before each of the sessions. Total self-directed work should take about 2 ½ hours. You must be available for both live sessions. Approved for 8 CAFL CLEs.
You can register for the guardianship certification here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkdO2upz0rHNZA212cJCdJmJ4fFhuw7Z4t
The registration deadline is April 28, 2023. If you have any questions about the training, please email cafltraining@publiccounsel.net.
Training to Represent Children, Parents and Guardians in Guardianship of Minor Proceedings in the Probate and Family Court
This spring CAFL is presenting a training program for attorneys who wish to become certified to represent children, parents and guardians in guardianship of minor proceedings in the Probate and Family Court. The training is open to all CAFL staff attorneys, as well as all private CAFL attorneys in good standing on the care and protection trial panel. (Staff attorneys should check in with their AIC before registering.) If you are already certified to take guardianship of minor cases in the Probate and Family Court and want to come to the training for a refresher, you are welcome. If you are not sure if you are certified to take guardianship cases, please contact Rita Caso at rcaso@publiccounsel.net to find out.
The training will be a mix of in person live sessions and self-directed work. The live sessions will take place on May 11 and May 18 from 2:00-4:30. Attendees will be required to watch recorded lectures and complete assignments before each of the sessions. Total self-directed work should take about 2 ½ hours. You must be available for both live sessions. Approved for 8 CAFL CLEs.
You can register for the guardianship certification here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkdO2upz0rHNZA212cJCdJmJ4fFhuw7Z4t
The registration deadline is April 28, 2023. If you have any questions about the training, please email cafltraining@publiccounsel.net.
Representing Immigrant Children in Care and Protection Cases: Part 2
Please join the CPCS Immigration Impact Unit (IIU) and CAFL on March 14 from 2-4 pm via Zoom for the second of a three-part series on Representing Immigrant Clients in Care and Protection Cases. This session will focus on representing immigrant children, including advocacy tips for overcoming hurdles related to a child’s immigration status, an overview and update on motions for special immigrant juvenile classification, and a detailed look at placement of children with immigrant kin. Expect lots of practical tips and pointers, as well as time for questions. Approved for 2 CAFL CLEs. The recording of the first session can be found here and on MyGideon.
It Takes a Village: Addressing Behavioral Health Disparities in the Black Community
“It Takes a Village: Addressing Behavioral Health Disparities in the Black Community,” a virtual roundtable presented by SAMHSA on February 16, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. For more information: https://www.samhsa.gov
Approved for 1.5 CAFL CLEs.
Mastering the Art of Cross-Examination: Strategies and Techniques for Success
Cross-examination is viewed by many as one of the most difficult undertakings during a trial. Unpredictable or even outright difficult witnesses can make cross-examination seem impossible. This one-hour webcast will provide you with valuable tips and techniques for successfully cross-examining even the most difficult witnesses. Angela Brooks and Kate Sandlin will demonstrate strategies for dealing with difficult witnesses through role-playing scenarios and give you the chance to ask questions. This webcast is a must-see for anyone looking to improve their cross-examination skills.
Presented by:
Angela Brooks
Deputy Alternate Public Defender
Los Angeles County
Kate Sandlin
Assistant Public Defender
Law Office of the DeKalb County Public Defender in Atlanta, GA
Register Now: https://www.nita.org/s/product/mastering-the-art-of-crossexamination-strategies-and-techniques-for-success/01t8a000006W2G4AAK
Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids in Bristol County
Health Law Advocates’ Mental Health Advocacy Program (MHAP) for Kids improves the health and educational success of children with unmet mental health needs at risk for possible or further court involvement, by providing legal assistance to improve access to needed mental health services. MHAP for Kids legal services are provided to families by staff attorneys who are based in Family Resource Centers across the state. Join us for a discussion and Q&A with MHAP’s Staff Attorney for Bristol County to learn more about the program.
1 CAFL CLE
Defending Emerging Adults
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Lawyers leave with an understanding of the developmental complexities of Emerging Adults (18-25 year olds) and how to shift their representation to more holistic and developmentally appropriate advocacy to achieve better legal and life outcomes for their clients. Focused on the representation of Emerging Adult clients in the adult criminal court system but contains information relevant to all practice areas.
Target Audience:
Defense Lawyers representing Emerging Adults in Massachusetts Criminal Court
Training Modules and Dates:
Module 1: Introduction to Emerging Adult Development
Moderator: Katharine Klubock, January 12, 2021, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
3 CLE Credits approved for: Adult Criminal Trial, Adult Criminal Appeals, CAFL, CAFL Appeals, YAD, YAD Appeals
Introduces participants to this unique age group by providing a mix of national and local experts in the field, the strong voice of clients involved in the (in)justice system, and a discussion of adolescent development theory.
Module 2: Positive Youth Development as a Model for Holistic Representation
Moderator: Melanie Roberts, January 19, 2021, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
3 CLE Credits approved for: Adult Criminal Trial, Adult Criminal Appeals, CAFL, CAFL Appeals, YAD, YAD Appeals
Explains Positive Youth Development as a model for holistic representation for Emerging Adults. Attorneys explore the importance of understanding the DCF and DYS systems, educational rights, and the importance of collaborating with social workers to get the best outcomes for their clients
Module 3: Emerging Adult Case Law Primer
Moderator: Laura Alfring, January 26, 2021, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
3 CLE Credits approved for: Adult Criminal Trial, Adult Criminal Appeals, CAFL, CAFL Appeals, YAD, YAD Appeals
This session provides a case primer for developments in Emerging Adult Law in Massachusetts and across the United States, practical information about using relevant science in litigation and how to create a solid record to preserve issues for appeal.
Module 4: Emerging Adults In Criminal Practice
Moderator: Lipou Laliemthavisay, January 27, 2021, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
3 CLE Credits approved for: Adult Criminal Trial, Adult Criminal Appeals, CAFL, CAFL Appeals, YAD, YAD Appeals
Participants apply what they have learned in the previous sessions in an interactive skills session addressing motions in limine, jury instructions, voir dire questions, sentencing/mitigation, voluntariness and theory development.
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