Opportunity for Youth; NACC webinar: leveraging technology to increase client engagement
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Opportunity for Youth:
This is an amazing opportunity for your teen clients aged 15 and up to get involved in policy advocacy with Voices for Virginia's Children. Application due April
29.
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Youth Advocacy: Virginia¡¯s Youth in Action (VAYA) is a statewide youth policy council for individuals ages 15 to 24 who are ready to explore the world of public policy and advocacy. Whether you¡¯ve had years of experience organizing in your community or you¡¯re
just starting to find your voice, VAYA is for you.
vakids.org
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NACC Webinar:? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Leveraging Technology to Improve Client Engagement & Legal Representation in Child Welfare Cases
$45 (Free for Members)
Gwendolyn Clegg from Oklahoma¡¯s Office of Family Representation and Ryan O¡¯Donnell, CEO & Co-Founder of Your Case Plan, will discuss how technology is reshaping
client engagement and legal representation in child welfare cases.?
The session will highlight the successful pilot of the ¡°Your Case Plan¡± app in Oklahoma, showcasing how it has improved family engagement, provided timely updates,
and enhanced the quality of legal representation.?
Ryan will share his personal journey, from being a pre-adoptive foster parent to a passionate advocate for reunification, and how his foster son¡¯s case inspired
the creation of the app.
Presenters:
Gwendolyn Clegg, JD?¨C Executive Director, Oklahoma Office of Family Representation
Ryan O¡¯Donnell, Tech Entrepreneur & Former Foster Parent; CEO & Co-Founder, Your Case Plan by Sunlight?
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Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Virginia State Coordinator, National Association of Counsel for Children?
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610 ? Richmond, VA 23219
www.vplc.org
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Re: Tiny GAL Rate Increase
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Valerie L'Herrou
reacted to your message: |
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Be still my beating heart. What will I do with such a windfall ....
On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 1:34?PM Valerie L'Herrou via
<valerie= [email protected]> wrote:
Dear GALs:
While the FY2026 budget is not final, as the General Assembly needs to consider the Governor's amendments, he didn't change this particular line item--so I think it's safe to say it is a done deal. The new budget goes into effect July 1, 2025 (assuming an agreement
is reached by then):
The budget amendment introduced by Senator Russet Perry would have increased the GAL compensation from $75/hour to $90/hour /in court and $55/hour to $65/hour /out of court. The overall cost would have been $4m.
Unfortunately, the General Assembly only provided $1m for this increase, which will only support an increase to $78.75 / in court and $57.50 / out of court.
The budget line item explanation does add "that OES may approve a rate increase if sufficient funding is available either from its existing Criminal Fund appropriations, as determined by a consensus six-year forecast."?
Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Coordinator, National Association of Counsel for Children
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610 ? Richmond, VA 23219
--
Elana E. Strom (she/her)
The Law Office of Elana E. Strom, PLLC
10511 Judicial Drive, Suite 110
Fairfax, VA 22030
Telephone: 571-441-2830
Facsimile Telecopier: 571-441-2833
The information contained in this message is confidential and protected by attorney-client and/or the attorney/work product privilege from non-disclosure. If you are not
the intended recipient, an employee, or agent?responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.
If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer.
PLEADINGS NOTICE:? You are not authorized to serve any pleadings by email to this office.? Any such delivery will not be valid under Virginia practice and rules, and will be disregarded.? Email exchanges
with this office are a courtesy to accommodate clients and counsel.? They are not an agreed method of pleadings service.
IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To the extent that this communication and any attachments contain any U.S. federal tax advice, such advice, unless expressly stated otherwise,
is not intended or written to be used, and may not be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding taxes or penalties that may be imposed in accordance with Internal Revenue Code provisions, or for promoting marketing or recommending to another party
any tax-related matters addressed herein.?
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Re: Tiny GAL Rate Increase
Be still my beating heart. What will I do with such a windfall ....
On Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 1:34?PM Valerie L'Herrou via <valerie= [email protected]> wrote:
Dear GALs:
While the FY2026 budget is not final, as the General Assembly needs to consider the Governor's amendments, he didn't change this particular line item--so I think it's safe to say it is a done deal. The new budget goes into effect July 1, 2025 (assuming an agreement
is reached by then):
The budget amendment introduced by Senator Russet Perry would have increased the GAL compensation from $75/hour to $90/hour /in court and $55/hour to $65/hour /out of court. The overall cost would have been $4m.
Unfortunately, the General Assembly only provided $1m for this increase, which will only support an increase to $78.75 / in court and $57.50 / out of court.
The budget line item explanation does add "that OES may approve a rate increase if sufficient funding is available either from its existing Criminal Fund appropriations, as determined by a consensus six-year forecast."?
Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Coordinator, National Association of Counsel for Children
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610 ? Richmond, VA 23219
-- Elana E. Strom (she/her)The Law Office of Elana E. Strom, PLLC 10511 Judicial Drive, Suite 110 Fairfax, VA 22030 Telephone: 571-441-2830 Facsimile Telecopier: 571-441-2833
The information contained in this message is confidential and protected by attorney-client and/or the attorney/work product privilege from non-disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, an employee, or agent?responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. PLEADINGS NOTICE:? You are not authorized to serve any pleadings by email to this office.? Any such delivery will not be valid under Virginia practice and rules, and will be disregarded.? Email exchanges with this office are a courtesy to accommodate clients and counsel.? They are not an agreed method of pleadings service. IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE: To the extent that this communication and any attachments contain any U.S. federal tax advice, such advice, unless expressly stated otherwise, is not intended or written to be used, and may not be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding taxes or penalties that may be imposed in accordance with Internal Revenue Code provisions, or for promoting marketing or recommending to another party any tax-related matters addressed herein.?
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Dear GALs:
While the FY2026 budget is not final, as the General Assembly needs to consider the Governor's amendments, he didn't change this particular line item--so I think it's safe to say it is a done deal. The new budget goes into effect July 1, 2025 (assuming an agreement
is reached by then):
The budget amendment introduced by Senator Russet Perry would have increased the GAL compensation from $75/hour to $90/hour /in court and $55/hour to $65/hour /out of court. The overall cost would have been $4m.
Unfortunately, the General Assembly only provided $1m for this increase, which will only support an increase to $78.75 / in court and $57.50 / out of court.
The budget line item explanation does add "that OES may approve a rate increase if sufficient funding is available either from its existing Criminal Fund appropriations, as determined by a consensus six-year forecast."?
Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Coordinator, National Association of Counsel for Children
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610 ? Richmond, VA 23219
www.vplc.org
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ABA Standards for Lawyers Representing Child Welfare Agencies: Focus group opportunity
Join a focus group to help the ABA update Standards of Practice for Lawyers Representing Child Welfare Agencies.
Casey Family Programs and the ABA Center on Children and the Law have entered a partnership to facilitate improvements and updates to the ABA Standards of Practice for Lawyers Representing Child Welfare Agencies.? Specifically, both Casey and the ABA are hosting
several virtual focus groups to learn what may be needed to update and/or improve the ABA Standards of Practice for Lawyers Representing Child Welfare Agencies. We are looking for diverse perspectives and experiences to improve our understanding of needed
changes.
If you are interested in being a part of a focus group, please fill out the form (linked below) to let us know which dates and times work for you. We plan on separating these focus groups by roles¡ªparent counsel, counsel for children, agency counsel, judicial
officers, youth with lived experience, parents with lived experience, and agency case managers.?
Please sign up for one of the times that works for you in your role, and you will receive a Zoom invitation.
ABA Standards Updates for CW Agency Counsel?
Focus groups times by Participant Role?
1-Apr 2-3 pm ????Judges or judicial officers?
1-Apr 3-4 pm ????Counsel for children?
2-Apr 2-3 pm ????Child Welfare Agency Counsel?
2-Apr 4-5 pm?????Counsel for parents?
3-Apr 9-10 am ???Child Welfare case workers or case managers?
10-Apr 8-9 pm ???Youth with lived experience?
14-Apr 6-7 pm ???Parents with lived experience?
7-May 10-11?am ??Counsel for children?
7-May 2-3pm?????Counsel for parents?
7-May 3-4 pm ????Judges or judicial officers?
12-May 7-8 pm ???Youth with lived experience?
12-May 8-9 pm ???Parents with lived experience?
13-May 1-2 pm ???Child Welfare case workers or case managers?
13-May 4-5 pm ???Child Welfare Agency Counsel
Please share with your clients and networks, including judges and agency counsel, as well!
Questions: Heather Kestian at heather.kestian@... or Brooke Silverthorn at bsilverthorn@...
Focus group interest form:?
--
Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia State Coordinator, National Association of Counsel for Children
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct/Mobile: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
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NACC Trainings: Planning alongside immigrant families; Social determinants of health
NOTE: Re the subject matter of the first training below:?
VPLC is working on guides to and information about POAs and the Standby Guardianship process for immigrant families. We are updating our POA forms with multi-language explainers (beginning with Spanish).
Court forms for the SBG process are DC-503 through DC-506. Once the qualifying parent has executed a document designating a standby guardian:? If the triggering event occurs, the designated SBG then petitions the court to approve the arrangement. Be
sure to use the latest version of the forms, as earlier versions do not include as a "qualified parent" one at significant risk of being "detailed, incarcerated, or deported in connection with an immigration action," which was added by statute in 2021.
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NACC Webinars this Spring
Learn how to become an even better advocate!
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March Webinar - Safety First: Planning for Immigrant Children, Parents, and Caregivers in Uncertain Times
March 20
Noon MT
$45 but free for members
This workshop, led by experts in immigration and child welfare law, will cover the latest on the new administration¡¯s policies on immigration, their potential impacts on children and families,
practical guidance to advise your clients, and proactive strategies that children and families can consider to keep themselves safe.
Presenters:
Rachel Konrad, JD
Randi Mandelbaum, JD, LLM
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April Webinars - Salus Populi
Free for all
Social factors, including housing affordability, quality and stability, socio-economic position, and structural racism are critical determinants of health for children and families. To
equip lawyers with tools and information to argue for the wellbeing of children and families, this course will introduce how these factors, collectively referred to as the ¡°social determinants of health¡± (SDOH), impact individual and population health and
inequities in health.
This interactive course will include discussions of the socio-ecological model of health, constrained choice theory, and population health. The course will also illustrate the interconnectedness
among SDOH and explore how they intersect with legal issues that arise in child welfare and juvenile law cases in Massachusetts. The course will also discuss the terminology and methodology that epidemiologists and other public health researchers use to understand
how the SDOH impact health, and discuss how lawyers can raise issues related to the SDOH in child welfare and juvenile law cases.?
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National Association of Counsel for Children?|
Together we are Promoting Excellence, Building Community, Advancing Justice
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Valerie L¡¯Herrou,
NACC State Coordinator for Virginia
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610 ? Richmond, VA 23219
www.vplc.org
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NACC's Race Equity Virtual Training Series
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Race Equity Virtual Training Series
February 26-28
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Learn how to advance race equity through your practice!
?In this series, NACC seeks to advance children¡¯s and parents¡¯ rights, support a diverse community of child welfare
lawyers, and advocate for equitable, anti-racist solutions designed by people with lived experience.
NACC envisions a future where every child, parent, and family has equitable access to justice and culturally
responsive legal representation.
Join us to
improve your practice?and learn more about how you can help advance racial equity
in child welfare.
This series aims to:
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Bridge progressive ideas around race and racism with practical skills and strategies for daily practice, both in and outside of the courtroom.
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Provide actionable tips to identify and interrupt individual, attorney, judicial, and systemic bias; practice through a culturally humble, anti-racist lens; and improve outcomes for youth, parents, and families disproportionately affected by systemic involvement.
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Promote transparent, solution-focused dialogue around race and racism in child welfare.
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Model authentic inclusion of experts with lived experience in race equity training and discussions.
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Agenda
This training series will be six 90 minute sessions over three days.
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Wednesday, February 26
Skin DEEP: The History of Child Welfare by Race -10:00¨C11:30am MT
Presenters:
Shanelle Dupree, JD ¨C Racial Equity Collaborative, Inc.
Abby Fry ¨C Racial Equity Collaborative, Inc.
The Bearer Remembers: Moral Injury in Child Welfare Professionals - 1:00 ¨C 2:30pm MT
Presenters:
Nesta Johnson, JD ¨C National Center for Lesbian Rights
Shomari Ward, JD ¨C Youth Represent
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Thursday, February 27
Supporting Immigrant Youth & Families Engaged by the Child Welfare System - 10:00 ¨C 11:30am MT
Presenter:
Tiffany Haynes ¨C Aiden Anthony LLC
Black Girl Magic: Empowering Dual Status Youth in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems - 1:00 ¨C 2:30pm
MT
Presenters:
Sherri Simmons-Horton, MSW, PhD, AA ¨C University of New Hampshire, Department of Social Work
Karen Kolivosk , MSW, PhD ¨C Georgetown University ¨C Center for Juvenile Justice Reform
Friday, February 28
Race Intelligence? (RQ)-A Coaching Framework for Brave Conversations about Race -10:00¨C11:30am MT
Presenters:
Jess Sucherman, JD ¨C Colorado Court Improvement Program
Tara Doxtater ¨C Office of Respondent Parent Counsel and Hornbuckle Foundation
Michelle Davis, LPC ¨C Kempe Center, University of Colorado Anschutz
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Dismantling the Master¡¯s House: Resisting with Bravery to Build Anti-Racist Culture - 1:00 ¨C 2:30pm MT
Presenters:
Corey Best ¨C Mining for Gold
Sarah Katz, JD ¨C Temple University Beasley School of Law
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National Association of Counsel for Children?|
Together we are Promoting Excellence, Building Community, Advancing Justice
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National Association of Counsel for Children | 899 N Logan St. Suite 208?| Denver, CO 80203 US
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You're receiving this message because you're a member of the NACC State Coordinators group from National Association of Counsel for
Children. To take part in this conversation, reply all to this message.
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Tomorrow morning: for attorneys with teen clients; and the teens themselves
This free webinar would?be a nice thing to provide to your clients.
Your Case, Your Rights
January 10 @ 9:00 am - 10:30 pm EST
Free
Presented by child welfare professionals with lived experience as former foster youth, this?webinar will explore
?tools, a package of guidance and resources to help young people in the child welfare system learn AND exercise their rights across a wide variety of domains and scenarios ¨C including cultural and heritage resources, housing,
behavioral health, visitation, basic needs, and more.?
These evolving resources were developed by youth and child welfare professionals for use by youth and child welfare professionals independently or collaboratively.?
Attendees will engage in discussion, live interaction with the tools, and calls to action. Participants will take away immediately applicable tools and a model of lived-experience-led data collection and tool creation and distribution.
Presenters:
Gina Cabiddu, MSW ¨C Lived Experience Expert, National Advisory Council on Children¡¯s Legal Representation
Parker, MSW ¨C Lived Experience Expert, National Advisory Council on Children¡¯s Legal Representation
Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
www.vplc.org
The information provided in this email does not constitute legal advice; all information, content, and materials provided are for informational
purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created by providing this information; these communications are not confidential. We encourage people to consult with an attorney for legal advice. Information about Virginia legal aid offices may be found
at ?or by calling 1-866-LEGLAID (1-866-534-5243). Financially eligible persons may also find legal advice at
. Those seeking representation who are not financially eligible may consult with an attorney for 30 minutes for $35 through the Virginia Lawyer
Referral Service, ?(800) 552-7977?
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National Association of Counsel for Children: holiday discounts
?The "Red Book" is a vital resource for child dependency practitioners, and until the 18th you can get an extra discount on an imperfect copy (slight damage to the cover). Membership is also discounted.
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Get the Gift of a Better Child Welfare Law Practice
The Red Book, an NACC membership, or Conference to Go!
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15 percent off NACC orders
Sale extended through December 18 with the code: thankyou2024
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Get the Latest Edition of the Red Book!
, the cornerstone text in our field, is a must-have resource for every advocate practicing child welfare law.
Past editions of the Red Book are now more than a decade old.
Laws and practices have changed a lot in the last ten years.
The fourth edition of the Red Book has new information on?racial and LGBTQ+ justice; representing dual-status
youth; parents/children with disabilities; systemic, preventive, and multidisciplinary advocacy; and so much more!
Get the latest edition of the Red Book and make sure your advocacy and understanding of the law are up to
date!
You can order your brand new copy of the Red Book now! Or, if you don't mind a book that is already a little worn in, you can save and get the
. The same content with a little wear to the cover or pages. Either way, you're getting the latest info to improve your practice.
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Whether it's the Red Book, the
, or NACC's
, NACC has the publications and information you need to help you become a better advocate for children and families.
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NACC Membership - Join the growing community!
Join a thriving and growing community working to advance justice alongside young people and families. Our national
network of nearly 2,000 active members includes attorneys, judges, professors, students, doctors, therapists, social workers, policy advocates, and administrators.?
If you work in the child welfare system or a related field, the National Association of Counsel for Children
is here to serve you. Membership gives you access to training, resources, and community to help you elevate your work and better serve children and families. Your practice is our purpose!
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Conference to Go!
If you missed NACC's 2024 online conference but still hoped to get the training and info you need
to enhance your child welfare law practice, you're in luck! Registration is now open for
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Conference to Go gives you access to all session recordings and materials from the 2024 Online
Conference.?You can watch and listen to recordings at your leisure and download conference materials.?Check out the
?to see the online recorded conference session descriptions.
CWLS and NACC Members:?$200????
Non-Member: $275????
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Remember to use the code thankyou2024 at checkout to get 15 percent off your order!
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National Association of Counsel for Children?|
Together we are Promoting Excellence, Building Community, Advancing Justice
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Valerie L'Herrou
Virginia State Coordinator, NACC
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct Line: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
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NACC Webinars: Representing Infants & Toddlers, Court Reform Efforts for Child Welfare Involved Families: The Case Management Model
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Starting Next Week:
High-Quality Legal Representation in Cases Involving Infants and Toddlers
?Online Training Series
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October 30 - November 20
NACC is pleased to present our new and expanded Infants & Toddlers series. This comprehensive four-session series is tailored for
attorneys for the agency, children, or parents, as well as judges and social workers in infant and toddler cases.
Dive deep into the nuances of providing high-quality legal representation in cases involving our youngest and most vulnerable
clients.?From compassionate advocacy and understanding the unique harms faced by infants and toddlers to navigating the removal decision and fostering collaboration for families,?each session is designed to equip you with the specialized knowledge and
skills needed to effectively advocate for these young individuals.
Session One: Compassionate Advocacy in Infant & Toddler Cases
October 30, 1:30-3:00pm MT
Session Two: Understanding the Harm in Infant and Toddler Cases
November 6, 1:30-3:00pm MT
Session Three: Advocacy Around the Removal Decision
November 13, 1:30-3:00pm MT
Session Four: Collaboration for Families with Infants and Toddlers
November 20, 1:30-3:00pm MT
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Enhance Your Legal Practice and Advocacy with NACC this Fall
Upcoming Webinars:
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October Webinar - Court Reform Efforts for Child Welfare Involved Families: The Case Management Model
October 25
Involvement in the child welfare system drastically changes the trajectory of a family¡¯s life. In a system with thousands of families,
traditionally designed courtrooms leave less time for families to express their needs and feel like each member of the courtroom is invested in their wellbeing. In a Case Management Model courtroom, time is permitted for the family¡¯s voice. Child welfare stakeholders
in every jurisdiction must understand the importance of families having meaningful access to resources to help them reunify; the capabilities and limitations of courtroom advocates representing the county, parents, and/or children; and what tools are available
to help families reunify and avoid further dependency system intervention. This presentation features Los Angeles County¡¯s ¡°Case Management Model¡± and its impact from the perspective of one of the attorneys and one of the investigators working in it together
Presenters:
Rosario Reyes, Children¡¯s Law Center of California?
Christina Bazak, Children¡¯s Law Center of California?
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November Webinar - Resilience Through Compassion: Navigating Setbacks with Deep Listening and Humility
November 15
In this final session of the Compassion Series, join a panel of experts as they discuss strategies for overcoming setbacks in the
fight for justice within child welfare. Learn how deep listening, humility, and embracing diverse perspectives can help legal professionals maintain resilience and compassion in their work.
Presenters:
Vivek Sankaran, Clinical Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School
Kathleen Creamer, Managing Attorney of the Family Advocacy Unit, Community Legal Services
Matt Anderson, Co-Founder, Imagination Factory
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Free Webinar - How We Established a Statewide Children¡¯s Law Office
December 4
Expert panelists from Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Oklahoma will share the various steps each state took to establish a
statewide children¡¯s law office- the premiere means of delivering high-quality legal services. Discussion will include how and why the organizational models were selected, staffing options, how high-quality legal representation is ensured, and the legislative
enactments, appropriations, and funding sources necessary to launch and maintain the centralized law offices. Panelists will also inform attendees on challenges faced and pitfalls to avoid in pursuit of centralized legal services.
Panelists:
Janet Bledsoe?¨C Arkansas
Ashley Chase?¨C Colorado
Leslie Jones
¨C New Mexico
Gwendolyn Clegg?¨C Oklahoma
Moderator:
Natalece Washington, NACC
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December Webinar - Congregate Care, Collective Trauma
December 11
This webinar will cover high level policy information and descriptions of the newly passed ABA resolution 605 aimed at challenging
Troubled Teen Industry/Congregate Care placements, while delivering real-world trial skills and practice tips from dependency attorneys and lived experience experts. Learners will gain a better understanding of the policies that drive children into congregate
care, the harms of such placements, and how attorneys for youth can advocate on behalf of our most vulnerable children. Attendees will also see how congregate care placements perpetuate the institutionalization of people of color in the child welfare to prison
pipeline and further exasperate generational trauma to historically excluded populations.
Presenters:
Chelsea Maldonado
Kayla Muzquiz
Amanda Simmons
Annette Smith
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National Association of Counsel for Children?|
Together we are Promoting Excellence, Building Community, Advancing Justice
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National Association of Counsel for Children | 899 N Logan St. Suite 208?| Denver, CO 80203 US
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Fall NACC Training opportunities
Fall NACC Training opportunities: Red Book and Infant/Toddler series (not Virginia CLE certified)
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Sign Up for the Fall Online Red Book Training Course
Become an even better lawyer with NACC!
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Starting Next Week!
Tuesdays, September 24 - November 12
5:00 - 6:30pm ET
Last chance to take this course in 2024!
NACC¡¯s signature Red Book Training Course covers major dependency practice competency areas and is designed to assist you in preparing for the Child Welfare Law Specialist examination. The Red Book Training Course is an exciting opportunity for practitioners
to brush up on their knowledge of federal child welfare law and learn tips to enhance their representation of children, parents, or the agency.
The 2024 course will include material based on the Fourth Edition of?Child Welfare Law and Practice: Representing Children, Parents, and Agencies in Neglect, Abuse, and Dependency Cases. During weekly webinars, the presenter will assist participants
in breaking the material down, focusing on important concepts, and learning CWLS exam-taking strategies. Sign up now!?
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High-Quality Legal Representation in Cases Involving Infants and Toddlers
?Online Training Series
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October 30 - November 20
NACC is pleased to announce our new and expanded Infants & Toddlers series. This comprehensive four-session series is tailored for attorneys for the agency, children, or parents, as well as judges and social workers in infant and toddler cases.
Dive deep into the nuances of providing high-quality legal representation in cases involving our youngest and most vulnerable clients. From compassionate advocacy and understanding the unique harms faced by infants and toddlers to navigating the removal decision
and fostering collaboration for families, each session is designed to equip you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate for these young individuals.
Session One: Compassionate Advocacy in Infant & Toddler Cases
October 30, 1:30-3:00pm MT
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The Importance of Cultural Humility for Attorneys in Infant & Toddler Cases
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Trauma-Informed Representation
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Engaging w/ infants and toddlers
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Personal/Peer Care and Compassion for Attorneys in Infant & Toddler Cases
Session Two: Understanding the Harm in Infant and Toddler Cases
November 6, 1:30-3:00pm MT
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Developmental Considerations in Cases of Suspected Maltreatment: Physical Injury, Sexual Abuse, Medical
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Poverty vs Neglect in Cases Involving Infants and Toddlers
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Intimate Partner Violence in Homes with Infants amd Toddlers
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Infant and Toddler Substance Exposure Cases
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Expert Witnesses in Infant and Toddler Cases
Session Three: Advocacy Around the Removal Decision
November 13, 1:30-3:00pm MT
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Trauma of Removal: Child, Parents, Sibling Kin
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Early Advocacy
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Reasonable Efforts Advocacy
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Bonding/Attachment Considerations with Birth Family
Session Four: Collaboration for Families with Infants and Toddlers
November 20, 1:30-3:00pm MT
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Case Plan Advocacy
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Placement Advocacy
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Family Time Advocacy
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Well-Being Advocacy
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Collaboration with Resource Families
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Family Treatment Court Models
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National Association of Counsel for Children?|
Together we are Promoting Excellence, Building Community, Advancing Justice
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National Association of Counsel for Children |?899 N Logan St. Suite 208?|?Denver, CO 80203 US
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Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct/Mobile: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
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Representing Parents in Child Dependency Cases¡ªTools for Effective Advocacy - 9/25 & 11/12
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Representing Parents in Child Dependency Cases¡ªTools for Effective Advocacy
Wednesday, September 25? |? 1:00¨C4:15 p.m. ET?
Webcast with Live Q&A? |? Telephone with Live Q&A
Tuesday, November 12? |? 10:00 a.m.¨C1:15 p.m. ET?
Webcast with Live Q&A? |? Telephone with Live Q&A
MCLE Credit:
3.0? |? |?Live-Interactive Credit: 3.0??
GAL for Children CE Credit:?3.0
Designation Credit: 3.0 Divorce and Family Law
Web?$219? |? Tel?$259
This course will provide attorneys with tools to effectively counter abuse and neglect allegations, help reduce the length of time children are removed from their homes, and
ensure that service plans and orders are tailored to the needs of the family.?We will explore the harms of family separation, how to ensure the agency meets its duty to provide ¡°reasonable efforts¡± to reunite the family, the benefits of motion practice and
written advocacy, tools for procuring discovery, effective communication with your clients, and how to shift the narrative and present evidence to reunify the family.?
- Gain tools to improve case outcomes for families in child dependency hearings.
- Learn how to navigate the many roadblocks to obtaining discovery.
- Explore how zealous advocacy can help to preserve families in one of the most important legal practice areas.
Faculty
Fallon Speaker,
Director, Youth Justice Program, Legal Aid Justice Center / Richmond
Valerie L¡¯Herrou,
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy, Virginia Poverty Law Center /
Richmond
Anna Daniszewski,
Staff Attorney for Family Defense, Center for Family Advocacy, Virginia Poverty Law Center /
Richmond
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CLE on Your Schedule: Access more than 300 on demand seminars featuring Virginia law for Virginia lawyers, 24/7, from your PC
or Mac computer, tablet, or smartphone¡ªanywhere with a good Internet connection. Each on demand seminar includes a downloadable audio version for an offline option.
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This e-mail was sent to valerie@... by Virginia CLE?.
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CLE: Representing Parents in Child Dependency Cases: (GAL credit)
Oh, and I forgot, also September 25th:
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This registration form is for Wednesday, September 25, 1:00¨C4:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A This program is also available on: Tuesday, November 12, 10:00 a.m.¨C1:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A
This program was also presented on August 21, 2024 MCLE Credit: 3.0 Live-Interactive Credit: 3.0 (all dates, all formats) GAL for Children CE Credit: 3.0 (GAL Information) Designation Credit: 3.0 Divorce and Family Law
www.vacle.org
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Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct/Mobile: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
?
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
If you missed this CLE yesterday, the rebroadcast will be November 12:
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This registration form is for Tuesday, November 12, 10:00 a.m.¨C1:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A This program is also available on: Wednesday, September 25, 1:00¨C4:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A
This program was also presented on August 21, 2024 MCLE Credit: 3.0 Live-Interactive Credit: 3.0 (all dates, all formats) GAL for Children CE Credit: 3.0 (GAL Information) Designation Credit: 3.0 Divorce and Family Law
www.vacle.org
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Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct/Mobile: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
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This registration form is for Wednesday, August 21, 1:00¨C4:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A This program is also available on: Wednesday, September 25, 1:00¨C4:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A Tuesday,
November 12, 10:00 a.m.¨C1:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A MCLE Credit: 3.0 Live-Interactive Credit: 3.0 (all dates, all formats) GAL for Children CE Credit: 3.0 Pending (GAL Information) Designation Credit: 3.0 Divorce and
Family Law
www.vacle.org
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Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct/Mobile: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
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CLE: Representing Parents in Child Dependency Cases: (GAL credit)
If you missed this CLE yesterday, the rebroadcast will be November 12:
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This registration form is for Tuesday, November 12, 10:00 a.m.¨C1:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A This program is also available on: Wednesday, September 25, 1:00¨C4:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A
This program was also presented on August 21, 2024 MCLE Credit: 3.0 Live-Interactive Credit: 3.0 (all dates, all formats) GAL for Children CE Credit: 3.0 (GAL Information) Designation Credit: 3.0 Divorce and Family Law
www.vacle.org
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Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct/Mobile: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
?
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
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This registration form is for Wednesday, August 21, 1:00¨C4:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A This program is also available on: Wednesday, September 25, 1:00¨C4:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A Tuesday,
November 12, 10:00 a.m.¨C1:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A MCLE Credit: 3.0 Live-Interactive Credit: 3.0 (all dates, all formats) GAL for Children CE Credit: 3.0 Pending (GAL Information) Designation Credit: 3.0 Divorce and
Family Law
www.vacle.org
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Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct/Mobile: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
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Weds CLE: Representing Parents: (GAL credit)
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This registration form is for Wednesday, August 21, 1:00¨C4:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A This program is also available on: Wednesday, September 25, 1:00¨C4:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A Tuesday,
November 12, 10:00 a.m.¨C1:15 p.m. ET Webcast with Live Q&A Telephone with Live Q&A MCLE Credit: 3.0 Live-Interactive Credit: 3.0 (all dates, all formats) GAL for Children CE Credit: 3.0 Pending (GAL Information) Designation Credit: 3.0 Divorce and
Family Law
www.vacle.org
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Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct/Mobile: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
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Conference - still time to sign up
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If you haven't already, there's still time to register for NACC's conference!
NACC's 47th National Child Welfare Law Conference
Working Together, Working Differently:
Justice, Compassion, and New Tools for Modern Advocacy
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Onsite Conference
Salt Lake City, Utah
August 12-14?
Pre-conference and Career Fair August 11
Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
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Virtual Conference
Online ¨C from the comfort of your home
September 11-13
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NACC offers an onsite conference in Salt Lake City in August, and a virtual conference online in September. Onsite/dual registration includes access
to the online conference, which will have its own program.
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Plan Your Travel
Fly to Salt Lake City on
and get a small discount when you use the meeting event code NY39G.
A ticket on the
service is only $2.50 from the airport to downtown!
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Don't miss all of the great sessions we have planned for the 47th National Child Welfare Law Conference, including:
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LGBTQ+ Youth Under Attack: National Trends,
Law & Policy Strategies, and Resources for Advocacy
Trans youth¡¯s healthcare has been heavily curtailed and 41% of LGBTQ+ youth report seriously considering suicide. 1 in 3 foster youth openly identify
as LGBTQ+ yet child welfare systems provide few focused services, few LGBTQ friendly homes, and limited healthcare options. This workshop will discuss the effect the new laws have on transitioning youth, what services are still available, and resources for
queer youth in foster care and turning 18. It will also discuss practical trial advocacy strategies and provide an overview of national and state law and policy, recommended practices, and publications which may help persuade judges and other stakeholders.?
Presenters:
Danni Leader,?JD, MSW, MSED ¨C Fulton County Office of the Child Attorney
Anissa Patton, JD, CWLS ¨C Fulton County Office of the Child Attorney
Preview everything we have planned in the conference program!
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Second Annual Child Welfare Law Career Fair - Employer Registration Ends Today
8/11/2024
4:00pm ¨C 6:00pm
The Career Fair promotes positions in child welfare law offices and agencies for law students, recent grads, and persons
with lived experience in foster care.
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Additional Onsite Preconference Events
Registration is also open for our preconference sessions:
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8/11/2024
9:00am ¨C 4:30pm
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Legal advocacy for children, youth, parents, and kin is a specialized area of law which demands ongoing interdisciplinary training, education, and skill-building. NACC¡¯s annual National Child Welfare Law Conference is designed to meet these demands.
Our conference is a premier continuing legal education and community-building event for practitioners and policy advocates in child welfare, juvenile justice, and family law.
More than 46 years of experience has gone into producing this annual training and networking experience.?Don¡¯t miss this opportunity to come together with your fellow advocates to learn, to network, and be inspired to take your advocacy to the next level.?Join
the national community of multidisciplinary advocates working to improve systems serving children, youth, parents, and kin. The NACC Conference is also a gathering place where our community convenes the National Advisory Council, State Coordinators, Board
of Directors, Emeritus Board, Children's Law Office Project, and more!
Over several days, leading experts from the fields of law, medicine, mental health, immigration, social work, education, and more will expand your understanding of child welfare law, explore its intersection with other fields, and provide practical tools to
help further your practice and achieve the best possible outcomes for children, youth, parents, and kin.
Whether you are a new attorney or an advanced practitioner, this informative and engaging program will advance your practice.
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We're thrilled to be in Utah this summer!
We hope you'll join us and see all the Beehive state has to offer.
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National Association of Counsel for Children?|
Together we are Promoting Excellence, Building Community, Advancing Justice
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Electronic Signatures now permissible in pleadings
I'm sorry I meant to send this yesterday!
As of July 1, 2024, Va Code ¡ì 8.01-271.1 and Rule of Court Rule 1:5 allow for electronic signatures or digital image of the signature.
Rule 1:5
(2) When such firm name is signed to a pleading, notice, or brief, the name of at least one individual member or associate of such firm must be signed to it.
Any such pleading, notice, or brief may be signed electronically or by inclusion of a digital image of the signature.?The electronic signature accompanying the document when filed constitutes that person¡¯s
signature on the document for purposes of Code ¡ì 8.01-271.1.
¡ì 8.01-271.1. Signing of pleadings, motions, and other papers; oral motions; sanctions.
A. Except as otherwise provided in ¡ì¡ì 16.1-260 and 63.2-1901, every pleading, motion, or other paper of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least one attorney of record who is an active member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar
in his individual name, and the attorney's address shall be stated on the first pleading filed by that attorney in the action. A party who is not represented by an attorney, including a person confined in a state or local correctional facility proceeding pro
se, shall sign his pleading, motion, or other paper and state his address. The signature of a person other than counsel of record who is an active member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar or a pro se litigant is not a valid signature. A minor who
is not represented by an attorney shall sign his pleading, motion, or other paper by his next friend. Either or both parents of such minor may sign on behalf of such minor as his next friend. However, a parent may not sign on behalf of a minor if such signature
is otherwise prohibited by subdivision 6 of ¡ì 64.2-716.
The signature required by this section may be an electronic signature as defined in ¡ì 59.1-480 or a digital image of a signature.
If a pleading, motion, or other paper is not signed in compliance with this paragraph, it is defective. Such a defect renders the pleading, motion, or other paper voidable.
Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct/Mobile: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
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Resources from NACC:?
Children's Bureau Memorandum:?Engaging, empowering, and utilizing family and youth voice in all aspects of child welfare to drive case planning and system improvement. :
The purpose of this Information Memorandum (IM) is to demonstrate that family and youth voice are critical to a
well-functioning child welfare system and to strongly encourage all public child welfare agencies, dependency courts, and Court Improvement Programs to work together to ensure that family and youth voice are central in child welfare program planning and improvement
efforts.?
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Advocating for Reasonable Efforts?for LGBTQIA+ Youth in Foster Care:
Attorneys representing children and youth in foster care cases have an affirmative duty to advance equity for their
clients.1 This responsibility is particularly important when providing legal representation to LGBTQIA+2 youth, who experience disproportionate and disparate child welfare outcomes. NACC offers this tip sheet to help child welfare practitioners evaluate and
ensure reasonable efforts3 for these clients.
"The Red Book:" Child Welfare Law and Practice: Representing Children, Parents, and Agencies in Neglect, Abuse, and Dependency Cases
Save on the?Red?Book, Imperfect Condition - While Supplies Last
?Don¡¯t judge a?book?by its cover ¨C literally! Beauty is on the inside!
If you don¡¯t need a mint-condition copy of the?Red?Book, get an?imperfect?copy while supplies last at an even more affordable price!
?may
have minor wear or damage to covers, spine, or pages, but each copy is readable, useable, and has all of the content of the full price version.
Full Price?Red?Book: $199
Member Price?Red?Book: $149
Imperfect Condition?Red?Book: $75
Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia State Coordinator, National Association of Counsel for Children
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct/Mobile: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
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Half-price imperfects: "The Red Book:" Child Welfare Law and Practice
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I can't recommend this book enough. It is invaluable. This is a?rare opportunity to get one for less than half the non-member price!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
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"The Red Book:" Child Welfare Law and Practice: Representing Children, Parents, and Agencies in Neglect, Abuse, and Dependency Cases
Save on the?Red?Book, Imperfect Condition - While Supplies Last
?Don¡¯t judge a?book?by its cover ¨C literally! Beauty is on the inside!
If you don¡¯t need a mint-condition copy of the?Red?Book, get an?imperfect?copy while supplies last at an even more affordable price!
?may
have minor wear or damage to covers, spine, or pages, but each copy is readable, useable, and has all of the content of the full price version.
Full Price?Red?Book: $199
Member Price?Red?Book: $149
Imperfect Condition?Red?Book: $75
You¡¯re going to read and use this?book?a lot anyway, so why not get a copy that is already broken in, like your favorite pair of jeans? Only available while supplies last!
?
NACC is proud to publish the fourth edition of?,?also known as ¡°the?Red?Book¡±. We¡¯ve gathered both new and experienced practitioners to offer the ultimate guidebook for
those who make child welfare advocacy their priority.
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Valerie L¡¯Herrou
Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy
Virginia Poverty Law Center
919 East Main Street, Suite 610
Richmond, VA 23219
Direct/Mobile: (804) 351-5276
Fax: (804) 649-0974
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The Advocate: NACC's Member Newsletter
Hey Virginia Practitioners, below is the monthly NACC national newsletter!
Also: if you have been considering joining NACC, the spring sale ends tomorrow:
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NACC Hosted Careers in Child Welfare Law: HBCU Edition, Publishes Career Guide
On April 19, NACC hosted a virtual panel: Careers in Child Welfare Law, HBCU Edition. NACC welcomed students and discussed careers in defense of
minors, legal representation in child welfare proceedings, and policy advocacy. NACC was proud to host this event as we support a pipeline of diverse students into legal careers serving children and families.
NACC also recently released the
to help prepare people for careers in the child welfare law field.
?to learn more about NACC Student Engagement.?
Currey Cook elected Board Secretary
At its April meeting, the
?elected board member
Currey Cook, JD?to serve as Board Secretary. As part of that role, Currey now serves on the NACC Executive Committee. Congrats Currey!
NACC Conference Program Revealed
Check out
?to see presenters, sessions, and topics for the
?More below.
Don't Judge a Book by its Cover!
You're going to read and use the Red Book a lot. Why not get a copy that's already broken in? Order an
?now at a discount, while supplies last.
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Call for Nominations ¨C 2024 Promoting Excellence Awards
NACC presents the Promoting Excellence Awards annually to individuals and institutions making significant contributions
to the rights and well-being of children and families through high-quality legal representation.?NACC invites nominations for individual attorneys, organizations, and law students who demonstrate excellence in their advocacy efforts for children and families.
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Compassionate Advocacy: Integrating Trauma-Informed Practices for an Enhanced Legal Practice
May 21, 12:00 - 1:30pm MT
Learning Objectives:
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Explore the foundational principles of trauma-informed care and their relevance in legal settings, including the identification of trauma indicators and understanding the impact of trauma
on clients.
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Learn actionable techniques for integrating trauma-informed practices into daily legal routines, such as providing hydration, snacks, and sensory tools to mitigate stress and promote client
comfort during proceedings.
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Examine the broader implications of trauma-informed approaches on client engagement, communication, and overall well-being within legal environments, fostering a culture of empathy, trust,
and support.
Presenter
Josephine C. Vanderhorst, MFP, JD, CWLS, NACC Senior Staff Attorney
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2024 Pre-Conference Red Book Training
August 11, 9:00am - 4:30pm MT
Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
$300
The Red Book Training is NACC¡¯s signature training, designed to provide a comprehensive overview of child welfare law and practice as well as to
assist attorneys in preparing for the Child Welfare Law Specialist certification exam. This one-day, in-person training is based on the fourth edition of
Child Welfare Law and Practice: Representing Children, Parents, and Agencies in Neglect, Abuse, and Dependency Cases?¡ª more commonly known as the Red Book. The training will cover the following areas of the Red Book, as well as practice exam questions:
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Overarching Legal Structure and Themes
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Legal Case from Beginning to End
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Discrete Issues
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Lawyering Roles
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Essential Lawyering Skills
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Box lunch included.
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Counsel for Kids State Legislative Updates
New Hampshire¡¯s
Children and Family Law Committee considered ?on April 23. If passed, it would require the appointment of legal counsel for children placed in institutions or group homes and permit judicial appointment of
attorneys for any child in child protection court proceedings.?NACC submitted supportive
. NACC State Coordinator Lisa Wolford also
?in
support of the bill (hearing begins at 30-minute mark, see testimony at 1:26:50).?The bill was voted out of committee with an ¡°ought to pass¡± recommendation.?It will move to the House floor.
Gov. DeSantis signed into law Florida
?¡°Protection of Children and Victims of Crime¡± on April 10.?SB 1224 was
amended to preserve the right to legal counsel?for groups of children in the foster care system.?We applaud the astute decision-making of lawmakers who once again recognized that children involved in these proceedings need lawyers of their own to ensure
their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and they experience outcomes that keep them safely with their families and on a path toward success.?While maintaining the status quo is a victory, it is time for Florida to take the next critical step of
expanding access to legal counsel for all children in foster care proceedings.
Counsel for Kids Social Media Storm May 15
May 1 was Law Day and the start of National Foster Care Month. May 15 is the anniversary of the case In Re Gault - which guaranteed lawyers for
youth experiencing the criminal legal system.?At the intersection of access to justice and children lies the unfortunate reality that
?experiencing the child protection system.
On May 15, share on social media why #counsel4kids are important!
NACC Advocates for Support for Children and Families
NACC endorsed
?for short-term foster families, and also signed a letter asking Congressional leaders to
.
Amicus Updates
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The Third District of the Texas Court of Appeals recently ruled on two cases in which NACC participated as amicus. The
panel rejected appellants' jurisdictional challenges and found that sufficient evidence was presented to restrain Texas' attempt to investigate families facilitating gender-affirming health care for their transgender children. Read the opinions in
?and
.
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NACC filed
an
?regarding the federal law, research and best practices around legal guardianship.
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CWLS on the Bench!
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NACC is excited to announce the recent appointment of several Child Welfare Law Specialists to the bench!
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Christina Bridger, JD, CWLS, has been appointed as an associate judge to the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court in Georgia! Judge Bridger was
certified as a CWLS in 2023 and has over 15 years of experience representing children and parents in child welfare cases. She started her career as a solo practitioner in 2009 and joined the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court Guardian ad Litem Unit in 2021. She
is a first-generation American and earned her BA from the University of Michigan ¨C Ann Arbor and her JD from Michigan Law School.
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Eliza Hirst, JD, CWLS,?has been appointed to the Delaware Family Court for New Castle County! Judge Hirst was certified as a CWLS in 2012.
She began her career in legal aid in 2003, then joined the Delaware Office of the Child Advocate in 2010, and became an adjunct law professor in 2019 teaching
Children and the Law, Education Law, and Youth Defender Skills. In 2021 she joined the Office of Defense Services. She earned her BA from Oberlin College and her JD from the University of Texas School of Law.
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Donald Lee, JD, CWLS,?has been appointed as an associate judge to the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court in Georgia! Judge Lee was certified
as a CWLS in 2018. Starting off in 2008 at the Fulton County Public Defender Office, in 2014 he joined the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court Guardian ad Litem Unit. In 2022 he was the recipient of the Judge Willie Lovett Award for Advancing the Field of Juvenile
Law. He is past president of the Gwinnett County Bar Association. He earned his BS from Cornell University and his JD from Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
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Congratulations Judge Bridger, Judge Hirst, and Judge Lee! NACC is thrilled that you¡¯re bringing the highest CWLS standards for legal advocacy
into your courtrooms!
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Are you ready to enhance your practice? Become a certified
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NACC Board Member in the News
NACC Board Member
Amy Harfeld??to speak about preserving?social security benefits for youth in foster care.
California News
Several California children¡¯s legal services providers??to
?regarding frequency of attorney-client meetings. Further information?in
.
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Get your copy of the Red Book
NACC is proud to publish??also
known as ¡°the Red Book¡±.
?
The fourth edition includes new topics and contributors:??
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Case details: from investigation to appeals?
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Focus on racial and LGBTQ+ justice?
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Focus on dual-status youth and parents/children with disabilities?
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Systemic, preventive, and multidisciplinary advocacy?
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And much more!?
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Don't mind a Red Book that's a little broken in? Order an?and save. All the same content, with minor wear or damage to the cover.
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Children's Law Office Guidebook - 2nd Edition
NACC published the latest edition of the
.?Edited
by former NACC Training Director?Kristen Pisani-Jacques, JD, CWLS, the Guidebook includes contributions from 55 law office leaders and senior staff and demonstrates the growth and development of the field.?This is an essential resource for law
office leaders!
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Early Registration is Open!
We hope you'll
Enhance your practice, connect with fellow advocates, and take your advocacy to the next level. NACC offers an onsite conference in Salt Lake City
in August, and a virtual conference online in September. Onsite/dual registration includes access to the online conference, which will have its own program.
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Onsite Conference
Salt Lake City, Utah
August 12-14?
Pre-conference and Career Fair August 11
Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City
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Virtual Conference
Online ¨C from the comfort of your home
September 11-13
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Updated Conference Program
Check out the?and see what topics, sessions, and presenters are confirmed for Salt Lake City!
Registration Giveaways
As we prepare for our conference in Salt Lake City and online, we're helping our conference attendees get ready as well. Registrants may be randomly
selected to receive a small "Welcome to the NACC Conference" gift.
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Book your Room
Lock in a fantastic room rate at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City!
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Book your Flights
Fly to Salt Lake City on
?and get a small discount when you use the meeting event code NY39G.
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Additional Onsite Preconference Events
Registration is also open for our preconference sessions:
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8/11/2024
9:00am ¨C 4:30pm
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8/11/2024
10:00am ¨C 4:30pm
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8/12/2024
12:30 ¨C 1:45pm
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Second Annual Child Welfare Law Career Fair
8/11/2024
2:00pm ¨C 5:00pm
The Career Fair promotes positions in child welfare law offices and agencies for law students, recent grads, and persons
with lived experience in foster care.
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Check out NACC¡¯s Resource Center! Filter by topic area, resource type, and view NACC¡¯s Information Hubs:??
National and State Listservs:
Join the conversation with child welfare practitioners across the country by joining the NACC listserv. Ask your peers questions about cases, policy, and share success stories and challenges.
NACC's listserv has undergone new security measures, and you may have received an email asking you to reverify your email address.?If you
have not done so yet, please review the email and complete the steps to reverify/rejoin the listserv.?
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Publications and Journals:??
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Prior issues of our quarterly law journal,
-
Prior issues of this newsletter,
?
Training, Webinars, and Practical Skills:
??
??
Want to join the NACC listserv?
Need help logging in? Email Membership@...?
??
Join the conversation on social media!?
#NACC2024 #Counsel4Kids?
#CWLS
#PromotingExcellence #BuildingCommunity #AdvancingJustice?
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National Association of Counsel for Children |
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Valerie L'Herrou
