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April 2024 Call for Nominations – 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. Learn more and submit a nomination. In March, NACC’s Executive Director Kim Dvorchak: Presented on Pro Bono for Children’s Rights with Angela Vigil, Baker McKenzie and Chris Tirrell, Google at the Pro Bono Institute Conference in Washington, DC. Served as a supreme court judge for final round of the National Moot Court Competition in Child Welfare and Adoption Law in Columbus, OH. Presented on Emerging Trends for Emerging Adults with Felipe Franco, Annie E Casey Foundation and Derrell Frazier, REFORM Alliance (see photo) at the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Juvenile Justice Conference in Cleveland, OH. Joined child welfare and transportation leaders on Hop Skip Drive’s Equitable Access to Transportation Advisory Council. Presented on A,B,C’s & G’s of Youth Representation with Sneha Barve, ABA Center on Children and the Law, and John Pollock, National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel in a briefing for the Legal Services Funder Network. NACC's Allison Green in the New York Times The New York Times quoted NACC Legal Director Allison Green on the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children in a piece on the intersection of family separation, interstate practices, and the politiciziation of immigration policy. “Applying the compact to parents who simply live out of state, when there is no finding or even allegation of wrongdoing, is unconstitutional and harmful to children,” said Green. The Role of Foster/Resource Parents in Dependency Hearings April 16, 10:30am - 12:00 noon MT Licensed non-relative family placements are crucial for the well-being of children in dependency cases and are integral to achieving permanency for families. In this webinar, we will delve into: Assessment of foster parent support for established case permanency goals; Effective strategies for court presentation and consideration of foster parent involvement in achieving permanency; and Advocacy surrounding the varying levels of foster parent involvement in dependency proceedings. Presenter Shannon Felder, JD, CWLS, NACC Training Director April Webinar Spring Online Red Book Training Course April 16 through June 4 Tuesdays from 3:00 – 4:30pm MT 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. 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 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. Spring Red Book Training Course Careers in Child Welfare Law: HBCU Edition April 19 at Noon MT To support the pipeline of diverse students into child law careers, NACC is excited to host Careers in Child Welfare Law: HBCU Edition. All students in law school or interested in attending law school are welcome to join us as we highlight legal careers in criminal defense of minors, legal representation in child welfare proceedings (parent, child, state, or department), and/or policy advocacy. Visit our Student Hub to learn more about NACC Student Engagement. Careers in Child Welfare Law: HBCU Edition Compassionate Advocacy: Integrating Trauma-Informed Practices for an Enhanced Legal Practice May 21, 12:

HB893 passes; improves compensation for parent counsel HB893, from Delegate Adele McClure, had a bumpy journey through the Virginia General Assembly, but finally passed both Houses unanimously on Friday, March 8, the day before the end of session. Whew! The bill will increase compensation for parents' counsel from $120 per appealable order to $330 (new misdemeanor defense rate); and for Termination of Parental Rights cases, from $158 to $680 (new juvenile defense rate)(regardless of whether in JDR or Circuit). While these amounts are lower than we asked for ($445 and $1235)—we had wanted to pin the rates to those for lower-level felonies, not the misdemeanor rates—they are better than we feared we might end up with (when the Senate first approved the bill, they lowered the amounts to $240 and $445). The OES asked for 6th months to prepare for all the new compensation rates, so all the new rates, rather than going into effect on July 1 as bills usually do, will go into effect on January 1, 2025. New practice standards for parents' counsel will go into effect a year later, on January 1, 2026. A new list of certified parents' attorneys will be created. If not enough attorneys are available on the new parent counsel list, a judge may appoint any competent Virginia-barred attorney. A HUGE THANK YOU to all who advocated on behalf of this legislation. Thanks also to the VSB Bar Council which unanimously voted last fall for the Virginia State Bar to take a position on this legislation—?the first time it has taken a position on legislation in 20 years--which was significant in making this a reality.? The new compensation rates will be codified in § 16.1-267 (new language in italics): B. When the court appoints counsel to represent a parent, guardian, or other adult pursuant to § 16.1-266, such counsel shall be compensated for his services pursuant to § 19.2-163. When the court appoints counsel to represent a parent, guardian, or other adult pursuant to § 16.1-266 in a child dependency case as defined in § 16.1-266.1, such counsel shall be compensated for his services in an amount not to exceed $330, except that in matters arising under § 16.1-283, such counsel shall be compensated for his services in an amount not to exceed $680. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no court may waive the limitation of fees as set forth therein. The definition of a "child dependency case": For purposes of this section, a "child dependency case" includes cases before the juvenile and domestic relations district courts, and the circuit courts on appeal, involving a child who is (a) alleged to have been abused or neglected pursuant to § 16.1-278.2; (b) alleged to be at risk of being abused or neglected by a parent or custodian who has been adjudicated as having abused or neglected another child in his care pursuant to § 16.1-278.2; (c) the subject of a petition for approval of an entrustment agreement pursuant to § 16.1- 277.01; (d) the subject of a petition for relief of custody pursuant to § 16.1-277.02; (e) placed in foster care and is the subject of a foster care or permanency plan filed pursuant to § 16.1-281, 16.1-282, 16.1-282.1, or 16.1-282.2; and (f) the subject of a petition for termination of residual parental rights pursuant to § 16.1-283. You can review the bill here: https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?241+ful+HB893H3. March 2024 The Imprint Features NACC Voices in Title IV-E Funding Article The Imprint featured NACC Legal Director Allison Green and Board Member Leslie Heimov in its recent article: "Most States Now Access Federal Funds for Family Court Lawyers." 31 states draw down federal funding for legal services for children and families through Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. A pending formal rule change would expand access to legal services. “I think it’s really going to reaffirm that this is a bipartisan, agreed upon best practice,” said Green, “and that it is here to stay for child welfare.” Iowa Joins Trend of States Moving Toward Client-Directed Legal Representation On February 8, the Iowa judiciary subcommittee hel

ACTION ALERT HB893 Attorneys appointed to represent parents (McClure) Monday 8:00 am Senate Courts Cte & Tuesday 7:30 am Senate Finance General Gvmnt Subcte THANK YOU to all those who have already submitted comments, testified, and contacted their delegates. While the proposed compensation amounts were reduced by the House (from proposed $445 for each stage of the case and $1235 for TPR in both JDR and CC to $330, an $906 for TPR in JDR/CC), It got out of the House 95-3! The bill is now in the Senate and will be heard in the Courts of Justice committee Monday at 8am. Several of the Senate Courts members are also members of Senate Appropriations — which will hear it Tuesday morning, so hopefully we will get a good reception there. While the bill is not funded in the Senate budget since there was not a separate senate bill, Senator Surovell and Senator Deeds co-patroned the bill and filed budget amendments, so I remain hopeful. If you are represented by Sen. Surovell or Sen. Deeds, please thank them for their support when you contact them! Contact Senate Courts of Justice Members LIS > Bill Tracking > Committees > 2024 session lis.virginia.gov MOST important: The Finance subcommittee on General Government which meets on Tuesday am at 7:30. If these are your Senators or you practice in their districts, please contact them! Their contact information is linked to their names below. If you are represented by others on Senate Finance/Approps, reach out to them! Subcommittee Members Scott A. Surovell, Chair David W. Marsden Adam P. Ebbin Jeremy S. McPike Todd E. Pillion Full Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee Testimony: So far, post-crossover, it does not seem as if committees are really taking a lot of online testimony -- but do sign up if you are interested in trying. There’s not yet a current link for Courts or Finance, but check here 30 mins before the Committee meeting begins: https://virginia-senate.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=3 Thank you, have a great weekend! Valerie

Dear Practitioners: THANK YOU to all of you who have contacted your legislators! YOUR ADVOCACY IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE. I am hearing from legislators that they are hearing from you! HB893, carried by Delegate Adele McClure, in a reduced state after coming out of House Courts, is now heading to the General Government Subcommittee of House Appropriations. This is the BIGGEST hurdle. In past years, legislation to improve compensation has died in House Appropriations. IF the bill makes it out of House Approps, it will then need to pass the entire House; then Senate Courts of Justice; then Senate Finance. So we are far from certain of success. Your advocacy is vital to keeping this bill alive! The bill will increase compensation from $120 / $158 to $445 and $1235. Not enough, but it's better than what we have now. The bill will also ensure practitioners receive parent representation-specific training, not just the minimal GAL training. This is especially vital for new practitioners who may join the list when the rates are increased. You can read the current version of the bill as amended here: https://committees.lis.virginia.gov/subcommitteeaction.aspx?ses=241&bil=HB0893 Please contact the nine subcommittee members and explain how these low rates impact your ability to represent parents. You can find their contact information here: https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/members/members.php?subcommittee=H02004. The subcommittee could hear the bill as early as Wednesday 2/7. The members may wonder why HB102, the bill to increase the misdemeanor rates, is not sufficient. OUR bill would peg compensation to felony rates instead of misdemeanor rates. The misdemeanor rates are not sufficient. Our bill makes the point that these matters are serious and deserving of more consideration. Thank you! Valerie L'Herrou NACC Virginia State Coordinator 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 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/

Dear Virginia Practitioners: A new Virginia report is out on Parent Legal Representation. You can access it here: https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2024/RD116/PDF ACTION ALERT: Our bill to improve compensation for parent representation in child dependency cases will be heard in House Courts Civil Subcommittee tomorrow. The bill incorporates recommendations from the report above, as well as the earlier report, https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2023/SD8/PDF The bill (HB893) (McClure) would change the compensation rates for parent representation from the misdemeanor compensation rates to the "other felony charge" under section 19.2-163, subdivision 2, clause iii ($445) for all stages of the case except TPR; and for TPR, the amount for a felony punishable for up to 20 years under section 19.2-163, subdivision 2, clause ii ($1,235). It would also direct OES to create standards of practice and a new list of those who have been certified in those standards, so that attorneys who wanted to be on the GAL list but not represent parents would have their own list; or they could be on both lists. It would also create an office to develop pilot multidisciplinary law offices, and to handle the administration and reporting of Title IV-E funds that would be drawn down for that purpose. If you wish to see the current version of the bill before it is heard in subcommittee tomorrow, let me know and I'll send it. The real battle will be in the money committees -- but a unanimous vote from this committee will help! WEDNESDAY JANUARY 31 afternoon, HOUSE COURTS CIVIL SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING HOW TO ADVOCATE: contact members in advance and/or speak at the hearing in person or online Courts of Justice Civil Subcommittee Members: (find your legislator here: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/) Delegate Marcus Simon (Chair), Delegate Rip Sullivan, Delegate Atoosa Reaser, Delegate Joshua Thomas, Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra, Delegate Terry Kilgore, Delegate Jay Leftwich, Delegate Jason Ballard, Delegate Patrick Hope. CLICK HERE TO CONTACT COURTS SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS If these delegates represent the area in which you live OR practice, let them know you support the bill; AND/OR you may speak on the bill during the Subcommittee meeting! SUBCOMMITTEE MEETS: 1/31/24 afternoon, 1 hour after adjournment of the House. Could be as early as 2pm or as late as 4pm. NOTE: This may change, especially if the House adjourns late. KEEP AN EYE on the House floor video: https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/chamber/chamberstream.php (click "Now Playing" on the left side) SPEAK IN PERSON: The subcommittee will meet in the General Assembly Building at 201 N 9th Street in the House North Subcommittee Room on the 2nd floor, or: SIGN UP TO SPEAK ONLINE: https://hodspeak.house.virginia.gov/submit_testimony?meeting_id=16270 Note: Must be signed up before noon tomorrow to speak! Written comments MAY be submitted through this link. It's best to contact committee members directly, but use this option if you are not represented by any of the subcommittee members, or can't stay on the line to speak. Valerie L'Herrou NACC Virginia State Coordinator National Association of Counsel for Children 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 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/

PLEASE CONSIDER SUBMITTING AN ABSTRACT! NACC has wonderful conferences. I have learned so much attending these. Please consider submitting an abstract to present a session, so Virginia can be represented! (Plus: vacation in Utah!) NACC's 47th National Child Welfare Law Conference Working Together, Working Differently: Justice, Compassion, and New Tools for Modern Advocacy Onsite Conference Salt Lake City, Utah August 12-14, 2024 Pre-conference and Career Fair August 11 Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City Virtual Conference Online – from the comfort of your home September 11-13, 2024 Save the date, learn more about the 2024 Conference, submit an abstract (below), and book your room. The hotel rate is good for three days before and after the conference, so book now and plan to spend a week this summer seeing all that Utah has to offer. We can't wait to see you in Salt Lake City and online! Call for Abstracts NACC seeks abstracts for its 47th National Child Welfare Law Conference. The annual conference is an opportunity for us to bring together professionals from child welfare law and intersecting fields and further NACC’s mission through the exchange of ideas, information, and collective efforts. The conference will be in-person at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City in August and online in September. NACC seeks abstract submissions from presenters willing to present in-person, online, or in both formats. Conference sessions should be designed for a national audience, expand attendees’ understanding of the law, provide practical tools, and lend information and strategies for systems improvement. Most conference attendees are attorneys and judges who work in child protection court systems. Many attendees have diverse practices which also include work in the juvenile and criminal legal systems. Attendees also include professionals with lived expertise and from other disciplines including medicine, policy, community advocacy, immigration, education, social services, homelessness, and civil rights, as well as law students and other child protection stakeholders. NACC encourages submissions that will apply to attorneys who represent children, parents, agencies, and kinship caregivers, as well as judges and multidisciplinary professionals working in child welfare. NACC also seeks abstracts for its pre-conference Children’s Law Office Convening. Learn More and Abstract Submission Abstract FAQs Abstracts are due January 31; no late submissions will be considered. All applicants will be notified of NACC’s selection decisions by the end of April. NACC will consider the following in reviewing abstract submissions: Diversity, equity, and inclusion – which includes diversity in presenters, topic areas, and geographic representation Authentic inclusion of the voices and experiences of individuals with lived expertise in the child welfare system in both the preparation and presentation of the session Practical application and concrete tips and takeaways that will elevate legal practice Interactivity and activities that attend to different learning styles NACC Non-Discrimination Policy It is the policy of the National Association of Counsel for Children not to discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of race, culture, ethnicity, national origin, religion or religious beliefs, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, or age. NACC embraces diversity among its Board, staff, members, and volunteers. Abstract Submission National Association of Counsel for Children | www.NACCchildlaw.org Together we are Promoting Excellence, Building Community, Advancing Justice

Happy New Year! We hope that 2024 brings legislative and budgetary changes to Virginia's system of legal representation in child dependency matters. Throughout this legislative session, which begins January 10, 2024, we will keep you updated with actions the legislature has taken, and opportunities for you to advocate with your legislators. The first of two reports of the 2023 studies mandated by the 2023 legislative session on the issue has been published. I will send the other as soon as it is posted. SJR 241 Workgroup Report: Studying Legal Representation in Child Dependency Cases (SJR 241, 2023) https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2023/SD8/PDF Recommendations include: increase the compensation for court-appointed panel attorneys for parents; establish standards for the qualification and performance of court-appointed attorneys for parents in child dependency cases; establish a state-level Parent’s Advocacy Commission; establish and fund pilot programs implementing a multidisciplinary model of legal representation for parents. RESOURCES FOR PARENTS' COUNSEL: See attached documents: 1: VDSS Child & Family Services Manual, Part E, Section 2.7 explains what caseworkers should do to help maintain the relationship of a child with their parent during a parent's incarceration (remember, the DSS has a continuing obligation to provide "reasonable efforts" to reunify the family unless the court has approved a goal that does not include reunification). The most recent version of the entire manual—vital for representing parents or children, as it lays out the obligations of the local department in these cases—can be found on the VDSS website (scroll down). https://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/fc/index.cgi 2: Court Preparation Form for Parents: this useful document enables your clients to provide you with an update on their progress with their services plan. (While it is best practice to meet with your clients in between hearings to find out how things are going and what assistance they may need in navigating any barriers they may be experiencing in completing their service plans, as well as to advocate for any needed adjustments of goals at Family Partnership and FAPT meetings (to ensure services are appropriate and achievable), realistically panel attorneys receiving $120 per petition can rarely do this. Providing this form to your client, printing as many pages as necessary, can help your client prepare for court, and help you advocate for your client in court. This form is courtesy of Patty's Hope, a mothers' support organization in Richmond, Virginia. https://www.pattyshope.org/ OTHER RESOURCES Children's Ombudsman Report The 2023 report of the Children's Ombudsman is here: https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2023/RD722/PDF National Association of Counsel for Children: Resources for parents' and children's counsel: https://naccchildlaw.org/resources/ --- Valerie L'Herrou, Virginia State Coordinator, National Association of Counsel for Children 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 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/

Guides for parents: ABA, Understanding Your Rights as a Parent in Virginia https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/child_law/parentrep/kyrguides/virginia.pdf Supreme Court of Virginia, Handbook for Parents and Guardians in Child Dependency Cases http://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/cip/resources/handbook_for_parents_and_guardians.pdf Guide for youth (and request for help from youth) VPLC is preparing to update this website, "Learn Your Rights: a Guide for Youth in Foster Care" [http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/] and to reprint a small edition of the out-of-print booklet version (as a z-card with QR codes to the online content). If you have youth clients who could benefit from the information in the online guide, and/or interested in giving us feedback as we update these, we'd love to hear from them! Policy update: The Council of the Virginia State Bar voted unanimously at its fall meeting in October to support the recommendations of the SB396 Legal Representation in Child Dependency workgroup. One of the recommendations is to increase compensation for court-appointed counsel from $120 to $445, or $1235 in circuit court. NACC seeks abstracts for its 47th National Child Welfare Law Conference: The annual conference is an opportunity to bring together professionals from child welfare law and intersecting fields and further NACC’s mission through the exchange of ideas, information, and collective efforts. In 2024, NACC is excited to be in Salt Lake City, Utah from August 12-14 (preconference: August 11) and online, September 11-13. NACC encourages submissions that will apply to attorneys who represent children, parents, agencies, and kinship caregivers, as well as judges and multidisciplinary professionals working in child welfare. NACC also seeks abstracts for its pre-conference Children’s Law Office Convening. The theme of this year’s conference is Working Together, Working Differently: Justice, Compassion, and New Tools for Modern Advocacy. This year’s conference theme reminds us that if we truly want the child protection legal system to look different, we must be different. This begins by centering the voices, wellbeing, and rights of children and parents in our daily work. From there, emerging trends in high-quality legal representation, harm reduction, compassion-based practice, technology, and preventive advocacy help chart the course forward. Looking inward plays a role as well – embracing discomfort, challenging established narratives, and leveraging privilege for a purpose. NACC seeks abstract submissions that build on these ideas and convey concrete tips and skills for attorneys and practitioners. As a community of advocates, if we want to end at a different destination, we must start from a different place. Learn more and submit your abstract at: https://naccchildlaw.org/call-for-abstracts-naccs-47th-child-welfare-law-conference/ Having attended several NACC conferences, both in person and online, I highly recommend attending, even if you don't submit an abstract! Valerie L'Herrou Virginia State Coordinator, NACC. 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 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/

Dear Virginia Community Members/Practitioners, I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to share information from the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC). NACC is continuing to build a community network of child welfare lawyers nationwide and increase online learning opportunities. Here are a few updates and resources from NACC: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNSEL FOR CHILDREN www.naccchildlaw.org Take an additional $5 off your entire cart when purchasing an NACC training, membership, and/or publication! Use the promotional code NACCPROGRAM at checkout. NACC Silver, Gold, and Sapphire Memberships 25% Off Now through October! Join today or upgrade your Bronze membership to a higher-level membership. NEW 4th Edition Child Welfare Law and Practice included! Silver: $250 -> $188 Membership includes: Hardcover copy of The 4th Edition Red Book Recognition as a high-level member in NACC's quarterly law journal, The Guardian Gold: $375 -> $282 Membership includes: Hardcover copy of The 4th Edition Red Book Recognition as a high-level member in NACC's quarterly law journal, The Guardian 1-year Gift Membership for a colleague or friend Sapphire: $450 -> $338 Membership includes: Hardcover copy of The 4th Edition Red Book Recognition as a high-level member in NACC's quarterly law journal, The Guardian 1-year Gift Membership for a colleague or friend $150 donation to NACC's Counsel For Kids campaign Additionally, members receive free monthly webinars and discounts on NACC training year-round, including the upcoming Infants & Toddlers training series and next year's 47th National Child Welfare Law Conference in Salt Lake City! View the entire list of NACC member benefits on our website. How to Join/Renew: 1. If you are a member, log in to your profile first! 2. Go to the Individual Membership Registration Page. 3. Select the membership level, auto or manual renewal, and your billing cycle (annual or monthly). 4. On the next page, apply the coupon code HLM23 to receive 25% off of your membership dues. 5. Proceed through the checkout process and complete your membership join/renewal! Contact Membership@... with any questions! NACC Upcoming Trainings: Enhance Your Practice This Fall! FEATURED TRAINING: NACC Virtual Training Series: High-Quality Legal Representation for Infants and Toddlers November 2, 9, & 16 12:00PM - 2:00PM MT NACC Member Price: $100 Non-Member Price: $150 NACC invites all practitioners to join us for our inaugural virtual training series: High-Quality Legal Representation for Infants and Toddlers. Presented by NACC staff, and created in partnership with the ABA Center on Children and the Law, the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center, Zero to Three, and the Kempe Center, this first-of-its-kind training series focuses on the knowledge, skills, activities, and best practices needed to deliver high-quality representation to infants and toddlers. View Complete Information and Register for the Infants and Toddlers Training November Webinar: Your Feelings Make Sense: Using Validation to Build Client Rapport and Improve Interview Outcomes November 7 12:00PM MST NACC Member Price: FREE Non-Member Price: $45 Presenters: Elissa Duncan, JD, CWLS, Attorney III at the California Department of Social Services Christina Milburn, JD, CWLS, Training Attorney at the Children's Law Center of California. From the initial contact with child welfare personnel/law enforcement to the closure of the case, participants’ voices, feelings, and perspective are often ignored at the expense of expediency and efficiency. Validation techniques allow system partners to honor the experience of those they serve and stay in the moment with them. It is a way of showing that the system cares and understands their feelings just the way they are, without fixing or changing them. This webinar will cover the differences between emotional, behavioral, and cognitive validation and how to use them effectively in client contact to elevate voices, disrupt harm, and promote healing. Register for the November Webinar NACC's Attorney Collaboration Sur

Dear Virginia Child Dependency Practitioner: I heard great news from the Supreme Court of Virginia today! In addition to the increase in compensation for TPR appeals in the Court of Appeals that I had previously announced, there are new rates of compensation for TPR appeals in SCOVA: The following updated fee structure for court-appointed counsel in appeals before the Supreme Court of Virginia has been approved by the Court: Court-appointed counsel fees for representation at the petition stage of the process will be set as follows: ? Misdemeanor appeals: fee amounts begin at $700, not to exceed $1,500 ? Felony appeals: fee amounts begin at $1,000, not to exceed $2,000 ? Termination of Parental Rights appeals: fee amounts begin at $1000, not to exceed $2,000 If a petition for appeal is granted, court-appointed counsel in docketed criminal and termination of parental rights appeals that proceed to an opinion or order will receive $3,250 and are not paid at the petition stage. MCLEs! As October 31 nears, you may be seeking to gain your MCLE credits, or simply to increase your knowledge in this and related practice areas. If so, read on! _________________________________________________________________________________________ Virginia Bar Association (free for VBA members, $95 non-VBA) Helping the Helpers: Legal Assistance for Children and Their Kinship Caregivers Helping the Helpers: Legal Assistance for Children and Their Kinship Caregivers When: Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023 2 -4 p.m. Where: Zoom Online registration is available until: 10/3/2023 MCLE Credits: 2.0 (0.0 Ethics) Approved GAL: 2.0 Approved Helping the Helpers: Legal Assistance for Children and Their Kinship Caregivers - The Virginia Bar Association (vba.org) _________________________________________________________________________________________ 2023 VSB Pro Bono Conference Wednesday, October 18 9 am–4:15 pm Greater Richmond Convention Center Total 6 hours CLE credit Registration is FREE! There are in-person and remote attendance options available. This event is held in conjunction with the VPLC Statewide Legal Aid Conference. This year's theme is "Poverty and the Law: Context and Content for Attorneys Representing Low-Income Clients." The conference will feature four 90-minute programs, and presenters will include a veteran legal aid attorney, nonprofit legal services organization staff, the CEO of a children's advocacy group, and a nationally-recognized procedural justice speaker. View agenda and register: https://www.vsb.org/Site/Event_Display_2.aspx?EventKey=ALSC101823&WebsiteKey=9aca9def-c0bf-442c-a75f-a5835bd1233a FYI: The VPLC Statewide Legal Aid Conference includes sessions on Evidence in Family Law and Child Welfare and is free to Legal Aid Attorneys. Private attorneys may attend all sessions for a fee of $125 (total). https://vplc.org/conference/ _________________________________________________________________________________________ VSB On-Demand: Representing Parents in Child Dependency Cases, Parts 1 & 2: Representing Parents in Child Dependency Cases: Part 1 – Overview & Best Practices (1 hour On-Demand CLE credit) Sponsored by the VSB Access to Legal Services Committee, the VSB Young Lawyers Conference, and the National Association of Counsel for Children, Virginia Chapter Child Dependency CLE Series – Part 2 – The Office of the Children’s Ombudsman (1.0 hour On-Demand CLE) Sponsored by the VSB Access to Legal Services Committee, the VSB Young Lawyers Conference, and the National Association of Counsel for Children, Virginia Chapter _________________________________________________________________________________________ NACC: Rebroadcast On-Demand with VPLC Virginia-specific content: Engaging, Supporting, and Advocating for Incarcerated Parents & Their Children from the National Association of Counsel for Children, with added Virginia-specific content which is also approved for on-demand CLE credit by the Virginia bar. Recording Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/m8Wpz9LOOa0XGNZgAQeCWIzv2Jj-qLxg35Nmcqz5CcjO5fQs2OkntlA-vK0Mgkhf.7_3709g5rdOZvbd

First: FEE INCREASE! Thank you to those who answered my question about compensation for appointed parents' counsel in TPR appeals to the COAV. It appears that most commonly, attorneys were paid a flat $750 fee and were reimbursed for the cost of the transcript, which typically was several hundred dollars—and it took several months after the conclusion of the case to be paid, so people were often out of pocket for a year or more. After the posting of new compensation rates for the by-right criminal appeals process in the COAV, and armed with the information from all of you, I reached out to the OES to ask if the new rates applied to appointed counsel in parents' TPR appeals as well. The OES did not know, and reached out to the finance folks at COAV; they said no. But: a few days later, they changed their minds. So, I am assuming this now applies to all TPR appointments in COAV: "$1500 for misdemeanor appeals briefed and argued before the Court and $1300 for those cases that are not argued." Please keep me apprised of your experiences in getting compensated for these cases in the COAV. Second: We have asked the VSB to take a position on the recommendations that have come out of the Legal Representation Workgroup (see report here https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2022/RD593/PDF), similar to the role they took in getting the fee cap waiver passed in criminal cases—which was brought to my attention by former delegate (now judge) Jeff Campbell. While initially reluctant, the Bar agreed to look into it when they learned about that effort. Yesterday, the Access to Legal Services Committee passed a resolution: "That the Access to Legal Services Committee recommends to VSB leadership that the Virginia State Bar supports the recommendations of the Virginia Child Dependency Legal Representation Workgroup, created by Senate Bill 396 in 2022, and continued by Senate Joint Resolution No. 241 in 2023, as convened by the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman, to improve the quality of legal representation in child dependency cases." There are several recommendations; the compensation recommendation is an increase to $445 per each stage of a foster care case, and $1235 for a TPR. The resolution will go before Bar Council at their next meeting. If you are on Bar Council, please support this resolution; if you know those who are, please ask them to vote for it. If you need more information, or a one-page explainer, please let me know—I'll be happy to provide it! Finally: The National Association of Counsel for Children had its annual conference in Minneapolis last month. This month, the online version will be presented. I have always learned so much from their presentations (I have not tried to get Virginia CLE credit when I've attended). You can learn more and register here: https://naccchildlaw.org/event/naccs-46th-national-child-welfare-law-conference-virtual-online/ Also: This CLE on October 4 is free for VBA members: "Helping the Helpers: Legal Assistance for Children and their Kinship Caregivers" https://www.vba.org/events/event_details.asp?legacy=1&id=1751976 Valerie Virginia Coordinator, National Association of Counsel for Children Valerie L’Herrou Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy Virginia Poverty Law Center 919 East Main Street, Suite 610 Richmond, VA 23219 Direct/Mobile Line: (804) 351-5276 Fax: (804) 649-0974 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/

See below for upcoming training opportunities from NACC. 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 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/ tomorrow is last day to register Don't Miss the 46th National Child Welfare Law Conference Online September 20-22 Tomorrow is the last day to sign up for the 2023 Conference. Don't miss this chance to enhance your practice, hear from leaders, and connect with peers. Register now then join NACC this week for the online portion of the 46th National Child Welfare Law Conference - From Learning to Action: Shared Accountability for Disrupting Harm and Promoting Healing - from the comfort of your home or office. Child Welfare Law Specialists and NACC members get a discount on registration. Join NACC today! Sign up for Online Conference Learn More If you joined us for the onsite conference in Minneapolis, you're all set. Onsite registration includes access to online sessions - with a new slate of presenters and topics! See all upcoming NACC events September Webinar: Protecting Financial Futures: Prevent, Identify & Resolve Identity Theft in Foster Care September 28 11am MT Presenters: Melanie Delgado, JD, Senior Staff Attorney and Director of Transition Age Youth Projects, University of San Diego School of Law’s Children’s Advocacy Institute Kyra Endoso, Impact and Systems Data Manager, Just In Time for Foster Youth Mona Terry, MBA, Chief Victims Officer, Identity Theft Resource Center Sign up for September Webinar Fall Red Book Training Course Tuesdays, September 5–October 24 3:00 – 4:30pm MDT 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 course includes preparation strategies for the Child Welfare Law Specialist exam and draws from Child Welfare Law and Practice: Representing Children, Parents, and Agencies in Neglect, Abuse, and Dependency Cases (4th Edition). Registration is still open! Sign up now and catch up on past sessions. Learn more and Register for Fall RBTC October Webinar: Defining “Services” Within Reasonable Efforts through a Safety Lens October 25 10am MT Presenters: Todd Darling, MSW, Child Welfare Specialist for ACTION for Child Protection Lindsay Hanson, JD, Staff Attorney, University of Florida Levin College of Law Tarrin Reed, MSW, Director of Project Management with ACTION for Child Protection Sign up for October Webinar NACC Publications - Promoting Excellence and Advancing Justice NACC has the resources you need to advance justice, including the new 4th Edition Red Book, NACC Recommendations for Legal Representation, the Counsel for Kids Policymakers' Guide, and more. Whether you're a lawyer, law student, policy advocate, or future child welfare law specialist, check out our publications. See Publications National Association of Counsel for Children | www.NACCchildlaw.org NACC | 899 N Logan St. Suite 208, Denver, CO 80203 Unsubscribe valerie@... Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by member@... powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Dear Listserv members: It’s my understanding that there’s currently a parent in central Virginia area (16th circuit) with a TPR appeal that has been stayed (circuit court holding up its order) for lack of counsel to take to VCOA—the court cannot find anyone to accept appointment. So far I’ve heard from one attorney that they were compensated <$400 for brief and argument, and compensated after the case was complete for the transcript. This leads me to two questions: Is anyone willing to take on this appeal? If so I may be able to find a law student to assist with the research and drafting. For those of you who have appealed TPR to VCOA, what have you been compensated? Did the VCOA reimburse for all costs (transcripts, brief printing)? (My one appeal to VCOA I did pro bono and didn’t submit for compensation). If indeed VCOA is paying less than $400 for brief and argument on a TPR, I want to be able to add this to any legislation (yes, trying again this year!) to increase the compensation rates for parent representation (currently $120/$158 per petition in JDR/circuit). I will keep this group apprised of these efforts—if you are interested in getting involved, let me know. I’ll send out more calls for contacting legislators as we get closer to the 2024 session. Thanks! Valerie L’Herrou Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy Virginia Poverty Law Center 919 East Main Street, Suite 610 Richmond, VA 23219 Direct/Mobile Line: (804) 351-5276 Fax: (804) 649-0974 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/

Dear NACC Virginia listserv members: Three free webinars addressing parent legal representation are available for on-demand CLE credit. These are listed on the court's website as being approved for GAL credit, though I'm not sure the bar has them listed that way. (Let me know if you experience difficulties): https://eapps.courts.state.va.us/GalRegistry/public/publicHome.html#/reports/gallist?programType=C Two of the CLEs were presented by the state bar. One is already posted here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7094247364128311133 and the other should be available here shortly: https://vsbwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/$web/BarServices/vsb-webinars.pdf Please contact me for the link to and materials for the third CLE, a rebroadcast of the webinar, "Engaging, Supporting, and Advocating for Incarcerated Parents & Their Children" from the National Association of Counsel for Children, with added Virginia-specific content which is also approved for on-demand CLE credit by the Virginia bar. Valerie L'Herrou, Virginia State Coordinator, National Association of Counsel for Children Valerie L’Herrou Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy Virginia Poverty Law Center 919 East Main Street, Suite 610 Richmond, VA 23219 Direct/Mobile Line: (804) 351-5276 Fax: (804) 649-0974 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/

Reminder: don’t forget to register for Engaging, Supporting, and Advocating for Incarcerated Parents & Their Children CLE May 10, 12-1:30pm 1.5 hours live CLE credit pending. Co-sponsored by Virginia Poverty Law Center & NACC, Virginia Chapter Incarcerated parents and their children are at greater risk than parents who are not incarcerated of losing their relationship forever after the state initiates court proceedings. Incarcerated parents do matter and their ability to create, maintain, strengthen, and/or repair their relationship with their children during incarceration reduces harm to their children, improves child wellbeing in placement, and increases successful reentry and reunification of parents to the community. Professionals working in this system have different roles but all can do better to uplift the parent’s voice in the court process; to engage early and actively with the incarcerated parent; to support their parent-child relationship, including the provision of remedial services, when needed; and to remove bias from decision-making in these cases that leads to unnecessary family separation. During this webinar, attendees will learn how legal practitioners and other decision-makers can change their outlook and advocacy when working with incarcerated parents. Virginia-specific live presenters: Valerie L'Herrou, Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy at Virginia Poverty Law Center Fallon Speaker, Director, Youth Justice Program at Legal Aid Justice Center Anna Daniscewski, Family Defense Fellow, Virginia Poverty Law Center Original rebroadcast NACC Webinar Presenters: Stacey Allen-Chavez, Reunified Parent Cameron E. Buhl, JD, Managing Attorney, Infinitum Legal Counsel, P.S. D’Adre Cunningham, JD, Resource Attorney, Incarcerated Parents Project, Washington Defender Association Richard Pittman, JD, CWLS, Deputy Public Defender, Director of Juvenile Defender Services, Louisiana Public Defender Board REGISTER FOR CLE Also: NACC’s annual 25% off individual membership sale is on now through the end of May! Join the NACC community or renew your membership to add on a full 12 months of membership. Review the steps to join and all member benefits below! This is a great time to join or renew with the upcoming 46th Annual National Child Welfare Law Conference. Valerie L'Herrou, NACC Virginia Coordinator Valerie L’Herrou Deputy Director – Center for Family Advocacy Virginia Poverty Law Center 919 East Main Street, Suite 610 Richmond, VA 23219 Direct/Mobile Line: (804) 351-5276 Fax: (804) 649-0974 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/

NACC Webinar: CLE May 10, 12-1:30pm: Engaging, Supporting, and Advocating for Incarcerated Parents & Their Children Incarcerated parents and their children are at greater risk than parents who are not incarcerated of losing their relationship forever after the state initiates court proceedings. Incarcerated parents do matter and their ability to create, maintain, strengthen, and/or repair their relationship with their children during incarceration reduces harm to their children, improves child wellbeing in placement, and increases successful reentry and reunification of parents to the community. Professionals working in this system have different roles but all can do better to uplift the parent’s voice in the court process; to engage early and actively with the incarcerated parent; to support their parent-child relationship, including the provision of remedial services, when needed; and to remove bias from decision-making in these cases that leads to unnecessary family separation. During this webinar, attendees will learn how legal practitioners and other decision-makers can change their outlook and advocacy when working with incarcerated parents. Virginia-specific live presenters: Valerie L'Herrou, Deputy Director, Center for Family Advocacy at Virginia Poverty Law Center Fallon Speaker, Director, Youth Justice Program at Legal Aid Justice Center Anna Daniscewski, Family Defense Fellow, Virginia Poverty Law Center Original rebroadcast NACC Webinar Presenters: Stacey Allen-Chavez, Reunified Parent Cameron E. Buhl, JD, Managing Attorney, Infinitum Legal Counsel, P.S. D’Adre Cunningham, JD, Resource Attorney, Incarcerated Parents Project, Washington Defender Association Richard Pittman, JD, CWLS, Deputy Public Defender, Director of Juvenile Defender Services, Louisiana Public Defender Board 1.5 hours live CLE credit pending. REGISTER FOR CLE Valerie L'Herrou, NACC Virginia Coordinator Valerie L’Herrou Deputy Director – Center for Family Advocacy Virginia Poverty Law Center 919 East Main Street, Suite 610 Richmond, VA 23219 Direct/Mobile Line: (804) 351-5276 Fax: (804) 649-0974 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/

The Office of the Children's Ombudsman: What Parents' Attorneys Need to Know FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023 1–2 pm Webinar Co-sponsored by the VSB Access to Legal Services Committee, the VSB Young Lawyers Conference, and the National Association of Counsel for Children, Virginia chapter, this is the second session in a multi-part series designated to train court-appointed lawyers to zealously advocate for the rights of parents in child dependency and DSS cases. This session will be presented by the Children's Ombudsman Eric Reynolds. Reynolds will provide an intro of his office and then present on challenging "reasonable efforts" when the agency falls short of that obligation. 1.0 hour of Live/Interactive CLE credit (pending) REGISTER NACC Webinar: Save the Date: CLE May 10, 12-1:30pm: Engaging, Supporting, and Advocating for Incarcerated Parents & Their Children Incarcerated parents and their children are at greater risk than parents who are not incarcerated of losing their relationship forever after the state initiates court proceedings. Incarcerated parents do matter and their ability to create, maintain, strengthen, and/or repair their relationship with their children during incarceration reduces harm to their children, improves child wellbeing in placement, and increases successful reentry and reunification of parents to the community. Professionals working in this system have different roles but all can do better to uplift the parent’s voice in the court process; to engage early and actively with the incarcerated parent; to support their parent-child relationship, including the provision of remedial services, when needed; and to remove bias from decision-making in these cases that leads to unnecessary family separation. During this webinar, attendees will learn how legal practitioners and other decision-makers can change their outlook and advocacy when working with incarcerated parents. Valerie L'Herrou, NACC Virginia Coordinator Valerie L’Herrou Deputy Director – Center for Family Advocacy Virginia Poverty Law Center 919 East Main Street, Suite 610 Richmond, VA 23219 Direct/Mobile Line: (804) 351-5276 Fax: (804) 649-0974 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/

Please register for the free CLE below, co-sponsored by the Virginia Chapter of the NACC! Free CLE Webinar Child Dependency CLE Series – Part 2 The Office of the Children's Ombudsman: What Parents' Attorneys Need to Know April 28, 2023 1 pm–2 pm Free Live Webinar 1 hour CLE Credit (pending) This is the second session in a multi-part series designed to train court-appointed lawyers to zealously advocate for the rights of parents in child dependency and DSS cases. This session will be presented by the Children's Ombudsman Eric Reynolds, who will provide an intro of his office and then present on challenging "reasonable efforts" when the agency falls short of that obligation. Co-sponsored by the VSB Access to Legal Services Committee, the VSB Young Lawyers Conference, and the National Association of Counsel for Children, Virginia chapter. Register Here Valerie L’Herrou Virginia State Coordinator National Association of Counsel for Children Valerie L’Herrou Staff Attorney – Center for Family Advocacy Virginia Poverty Law Center 919 East Main Street, Suite 610 Richmond, VA 23219 Direct/Mobile Line: (804) 351-5276 Fax: (804) 649-0974 vplc.org http://www.learnyourrightsva.org/