Fostering Sibling Connections: Using Courtroom Tools to Protect Sibling Bonds in Dependency Cases

Sibling separation in foster care continues to be a traumatic and avoidable outcome for too many youth. This interactive workshop will guide participants through the laws, research, and ethical duties that support sibling placement and contact. It will feature a courtroom simulation in which attendees work to act out dependency hearings focused on sibling rights.

Participants will learn how to draft motions, advocate effectively in court, and ensure compliance with applicable legal standards for sibling connections. The session draws from research compiled by the ABA, and the National Network for Fostering Sibling Connections. Sample motions for dependency attorneys and bench card tools for judicial officers will be shared. This is a highly engaging session designed for those ready to make an impact and excited for tools to do so more effectively.

Presenters:

Ivory Bennett, M.Ed. – Program Manager, Fostering Media Connections

Ivory Bennett is a dedicated leader, educator, and advocate with over 17 years of experience driving positive change in education equity and child welfare. With a multifaceted background in curriculum development, coaching, and community engagement, Ivory is committed to advancing the well-being of vulnerable populations and promoting trauma-informed pedagogy. As the Program Manager at Youth Voices Rising in Los Angeles, Ivory develops and executes comprehensive training programs in basic journalism skills for lived experts, empowering them to create impactful content focused on child welfare issues.

With a Master’s in Education Administration from Concordia University and dual accreditation in English from Texas A&M University-Commerce, Ivory brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. Her dedication to creating safe and supportive environments for vulnerable populations exemplifies her commitment to social impact and positive change. Ivory Bennett’s tireless advocacy, leadership, and expertise make her a transformative force in education equity and child welfare, inspiring others to join the movement for a more just and equitable society.

Lily Colby, JD – Founder, Fostering Sibling Connections

As the Founder of the National Network for Fostering Sibling Connections, Lily has lived experience as a foster youth, a kinship caregiver, and as a licensed foster parent. She earned her BA in Economics from Yale University and her JD from UC Berkeley School of Law. Lily began her legal advocacy as an Equal Justice Works Fellow at the Youth Law Center and the National Center for Youth Law, where she focused on closing the educational opportunity gap for foster youth. Her work centers on empowering individuals most impacted by policy decisions. She has contributed to the drafting of state and federal foster care legislation and has supported both program development and impact litigation related to LGBTQIA+ rights and disability justice. Lily founded the National Network for Fostering Sibling Connections, a growing coalition of over 150 advocates across 30+ states dedicated to advancing sibling protections nationwide.

Erica Hickey, BA, Lived Experience Expert – National Network for Fostering Sibling Connections

Erica Hickey is an accomplished policy expert with more than a decade of experience advocating for systems-involved youth and families. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to advancing policies that improve outcomes for young people impacted by the child welfare system, particularly those with foster care experience. As a policy strategist, she operates at the critical intersection of community organizing, research, and public policy. Drawing from her own lived experience in foster care, Hickey brings a unique and powerful perspective to her work, especially on issues related to preserving sibling connections following adoption.

CLE

California (60-minute hour) – This participatory activity has been accredited by the State Bar of California for a maximum of 1.5 hours of General credit for live and on-demand participation. Attorneys must sign in for CLE.

Colorado (50‐minute hour) – This course is pending accreditation by the Colorado Board of Continuing Legal and Judicial Education for a maximum of 1.8 units of General credit for live and on-demand participation. Attorneys must sign in for CLE. Colorado is a self-report state.

Attorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.