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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260813T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260813T210000
DTSTAMP:20260717T150534Z
CREATED:20260506T185325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T150534Z
UID:10000107-1786644000-1786654800@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Self-Compassion Hike 2026 (Forest Park)
DESCRIPTION:Sponsored by Casey Family Programs  \nMeet in the lobby at 6:00pm; bus will leave promptly at 6:15pm  \nBack for its third year\, join our Self-Compassion Hike experience sponsored by Casey Family Programs.  This experience will be a safe and stress-free way to spend an evening while at Conference. Our sponsors arrange everything\, including transportation to Forest Park\, a tranquil location where we can enjoy and experience nature\, a boxed dinner\, and a brief discussion on the benefits of nature experiences and compassion for self and others.  We hope you will have some chats if you choose to meet new people\, but also make room for silence if that is what you need.  Important details: This experience is not intended to be a vigorous hike; so if you are looking for a serious burn\, this one may not be for you. We will walk at a comfortable pace. The distance will be reasonable for about an hour’s time\, but it can be shortened at any time with no worries. You will need comfortable shoes and water. You may want to consider long sleeves for bug-bite prevention. Temperatures average between 62–81 degrees.  This is a free\, limited-capacity event. Registration required. Hike Guides:Sheri Freemont – Casey Family Programs Vivek Sankaran – University of Michigan Law School Sheldon Spotted Elk – Casey Family Programs Allison Green – NACC 
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/self-compassion-hike-2026-forest-park/
CATEGORIES:Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260812T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260812T210000
DTSTAMP:20260806T205606Z
CREATED:20260709T175907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T205606Z
UID:10000116-1786555800-1786568400@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:NACC Welcome Reception - Portland Fire v. Minnesota Lynx Game
DESCRIPTION:Content is protected.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/wbna-welcome-reception-portland-fire-v-minnesota-lynx-game/
LOCATION:Moda Center\, Portland\, Oregon
CATEGORIES:Conference
GEO:45.515232;-122.6783853
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260812
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260815
DTSTAMP:20260803T211007Z
CREATED:20260127T204041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T211007Z
UID:10000093-1786492800-1786751999@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:2026 Conference - Portland
DESCRIPTION:NACC’s 49th National Child Welfare Law Conference in Portland\, Oregon \nSOLD OUT\nContact Conference@NACCchildlaw.org if you have questions\, Pre-conference sessions will be open until filled or 8/7/2026 at 5:00pm pacific \nSolutions That Sustain: Cultivating Community\, Advancing Practice\nOur annual conferences bring together professionals from child welfare law and intersecting fields and further NACC’s mission by exchanging ideas\, information\, and collective efforts.  \nThe theme of this year’s conference is Solutions That Sustain: Cultivating Community\, Advancing Practice. This year’s theme invites child welfare professionals to move beyond identifying problems and toward uplifting and co-creating systems and practices that work. Sustainable practice equips professionals to serve effectively and resiliently amid ongoing challenges\, while sustainable community builds collaboration\, mentorship\, and shared purpose.  \nThe conference will explore how to cultivate communities of practice that empower clients and colleagues\, bridge gaps across disciplines and jurisdictions\, and inspire compassionate\, lasting solutions for children and families.  \nIf you have a large group to register\, please contact conference@naccchildlaw.org. \nBy registering for this conference\, registrants agree to NACC’s Conference Registration Policies. \nRegistration Rates:\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\nEarly Registration (through June 30) \n\n\nRegular Registration (starting July 1) \n\n\n\n\nNACC Member \n\n\n$525 \n\n\n$625 \n\n\n\n\nCWLS \n\n\n$495 \n\n\n$495 \n\n\n\n\nNonmember \n\n\n$750 \n\n\n$850
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/2026-conference-portland/
LOCATION:Hilton Portland Downtown\, 921 SW 6th Ave\, Portland\, OR\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conference
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260721
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260722
DTSTAMP:20260616T194743Z
CREATED:20260616T194338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T194743Z
UID:10000115-1784592000-1784678399@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Pickle for a Purpose
DESCRIPTION:On July 21\, join us in Aspen\, CO for the Pickle for a Purpose Tournament\, where pickleball enthusiasts will rally alongside top players to benefit organizations working on behalf of children and youth in foster care. \nYour effort on the court helps kids in court! \nLearn more\, contribute\, and sign up through Florida’s Children First.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/pickle-for-a-purpose/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/pickle-for-a-purpose-scaled.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260715T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260715T123000
DTSTAMP:20260706T222200Z
CREATED:20260513T190226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T222200Z
UID:10000113-1784113200-1784118600@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Strict Scrutiny: Litigating a Constitutionally Compliant TPR
DESCRIPTION:“Narrowly tailored”…“Compelling government interest”…“Least restrictive means.” These aren’t just buzzwords from your law school final exams. They are key constitutional principles that undergird the analysis for Termination of Parental Rights. Whether you represent parents\, children\, or the child welfare agency – this webinar will assist any practitioner litigating a TPR\, with a focus on ensuring that petitioned grounds\, evidence\, and findings pass constitutional muster. \nPresenters\nChris Church\, JD\, CWLS – Casey Family Programs\, Judicial & National Engagement \nChristopher is a Senior Clinical Fellow and Director of the Appeal for Youth Clinic at Emory University School of Law. The Appeal for Youth Clinic provides appellate representation to families involved in civil child abuse and neglect proceedings. Prior to joining Emory\, Christopher was a Staff Attorney with the CHAMPS Clinic at the University of South Carolina School of Law\, a pediatric medical-legal partnership. He also served as a consultant to a number of child welfare organizations such as Casey Family Programs\, the Children’s Bureau’s Capacity Building Center for Courts\, the ABA Center on Children and the Law\, the National Center for State Courts\, and NCJFCJ. \nChristopher holds an MS in Mathematics from the University of North Texas and a JD from Gonzaga University School of Law. He completed his undergraduate studies at Concordia College in New York. He is licensed to practice law in Georgia and South Carolina\, and was South Carolina’s first Child Welfare Law Specialist. \nJosh Gupta-Kagan\, JD – Columbia Law School \nJosh Gupta-Kagan’s teaching and scholarship focus on legal issues affecting children and families\, especially child neglect and abuse and juvenile justice law. He is a clinical professor of law and the director and founder of the Family Defense Clinic\, which represents parents and other caregivers facing allegations of child neglect or abuse. In his research and writing\, Gupta-Kagan addresses issues including the gaps and biases in child neglect and abuse law\, the school-to-prison pipeline\, and juvenile delinquency and child neglect and abuse case procedures. \nAfter graduating from law school\, Gupta-Kagan previously worked at the Children’s Law Center in Washington\, D.C.\, and was also a professor of law at the ​​University of South Carolina School of Law\, where he directed the Juvenile Justice Clinic. Prior to that\, he was a staff attorney and lecturer at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law\, where he co-taught the Civil Justice Clinic. \nModerated by Allison Green\, JD\, CWLS – NACC Chief Legal Officer \nCLE\nCalifornia (60-minute hour)\nThis 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. \nColorado (50‐minute hour) \nThis 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. \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/strict-scrutiny-litigating-a-constitutionally-compliant-tpr/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/July-2026-Webinar-Presenters-600-x-400-px.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260623T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260623T133000
DTSTAMP:20260601T182142Z
CREATED:20260601T182142Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T182142Z
UID:10000114-1782216000-1782221400@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Legal Advocacy for TGNC Youth in Out-of-Home Care
DESCRIPTION:Trans and Gender Nonconforming Youth (TGNC) youth are overrepresented in out-of-home care and under-protected by the systems meant to serve them. This session gives child-serving attorneys practical frameworks and real tools for changing that\, one client at a time. Trainers will invite attorneys to go deeper in understanding barriers\, how to create partnerships\, and what zealous advocacy means right now. \nPresenters:\nLuna Isaiah Floyd\, JD – Equal Justice Works Fellow\, Lambda Legal\nLuna Isaiah Floyd (they/he) is an Equal Justice Works Fellow at Lambda Legal. Their work with Lambda Legal’s Youth in Out-of-Home Care Project centers the needs of transgender youth in foster care and juvenile justice settings\, as well as transgender youth experiencing homelessness. At Lambda\, they have litigated cases against executive orders affecting youth\, produced model policy to improve states’ treatment of LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care\, trained hundreds of attorneys across the country on best practices in representing their young transgender and nonbinary clients\, published a guide to help attorneys for youth secure gender-affirming care for their clients\, and led a national coalition of juvenile legal system advocates. \nWhile attending Harvard Law School\, he worked on cases challenging bans on sports participation for trans youth and bans on gender-affirming care for minors through internships and externships with the ACLU LGBTQ+ Rights Project\, the National Center for LGBTQ+ Rights\, and GLBTQ+ Legal Advocates and Defenders. Before law school\, they worked to reform state foster care systems as a paralegal at Children’s Rights. Luna Isaiah graduated from Brown University in 2019\, earning a BA in Public Policy. Outside of LGBTQ+ advocacy\, they enjoy leatherworking\, quilting\, knitting\, and singing. \nElliott Orrin Hinkle\, BS – Principal and Founder\, Unicorn Solutions\, LLC\nElliott Orrin Hinkle (they/them) is a skilled advisor\, facilitator\, trainer\, speaker\, and national expert focused on elevating lived experience and expertise in systems that serve children\, youth\, and families. As Principal and Founder of Unicorn Solutions LLC\, they are an advocate and professional with 14+ years of experience on topics such as child welfare\, youth mental health\, and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. They are a graduate of Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science in Women\, Gender\, Sexuality\, and Queer studies. Having experienced Wyoming’s foster care system firsthand\, Elliott returned to their hometown in 2024 after a decade in Oregon to strengthen local supports for LGBTQ+ youth and families. \nElliott has collaborated with partners on the Safe Havens 2.0 report\, resources such as the Coming Out With Care guide with the National SOGIE Center\, and The Rainbow Resource Network Blueprint of how to create gender-affirming clothing qlosets for LGBTQ youth in foster care. A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Equity Award recipient\, Elliott also serves on several national and community boards\, including the HOPE National Advisory Board\, Educational Health Centers of Wyoming\, and as Treasurer of the Center for the Study of Social Policy’s Board. Learn more or connect at www.unicornsolutions.org. \nCLE\nCalifornia (60-minute hour)\nThis participatory activity has been accredited by the State Bar of California for a maximum of 1.5 hours of Elimination of Bias credit for live and on-demand participation. Attorneys must sign in for CLE. \nColorado (50‐minute hour)\nThis course is pending accreditation by the Colorado Board of Continuing Legal and Judicial Education for a maximum of 1.8 units of Equity\, Diversity\, and Inclusion credit for live and on-demand participation. Attorneys must sign in for CLE. Colorado is a self-report state. \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/legal-advocacy-for-tgnc-youth-in-out-of-home-care/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/June-2026-webinar-presenters.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260617
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260619
DTSTAMP:20260527T141412Z
CREATED:20260417T200703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T141412Z
UID:10000108-1781654400-1781827199@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:National Trial Skills Training - New York City
DESCRIPTION:Attorneys: Take your trial skills to the next level with this two-day\, in-person training in New York City! This training will draw from key sections of Child Welfare Law and Practice. \nSome areas the training will cover include: \n\nWitness prep and building credibility\nUsing pretrial motions and stipulations strategically\nDirect and cross of fact witnesses (especially parents and agency workers)\nWorking with expert witnesses\nEvidentiary issues\, admissibility\, and objections\nHandling child testimony thoughtfully and effectively\n\nThis is a solid next step for legal advocates who are ready for a hands-on\, skills-based training beyond the basics. We’re especially encouraging Court Improvement Progams (CIPs)  in states near New York to consider sending staff. \nNow $450 with Hotel Rebate\nThanks to a generous grant from the American College of Trial Lawyers Foundation\, we are offering this for registration of $800 per attendee ($750 for NACC members). That’s less than $75 per credit hour for trial skills training! \nAnd\, if you stay two nights at Hotel Indigo\, you will receive a rebate after the event\, bringing the price of the training down to $450! \nHow this works: \n\nRegister for the training above.\nBook at least two nights at Hotel Indigo by May 27\, 11pm ET.\nAfter the training\, NACC will provide a rebate to attendees who paid for two nights at Hotel Indigo reserved by May 27\, bringing the training registration cost down to $450.\nIf you registered for the training and booked two nights at Hotel Indigo before May 27\, you will receive this discount.\n\nWhere to Stay\nHotel Indigo. Booking Link: NST \nGuests can now book their reservations through May 27\, 11pm ET. \nPrerequisite\nCompletion of Foundations (Red Book Training) Course\, CWLS certification\, or otherwise demonstrated knowledge of child welfare law. \nFaculty\n\nShannon Felder\, JD\, CWLS – NACC Training Director\nJosephine Vanderhorst\, MFP\, JD\, CWLS – NACC Senior Staff Attorney\nAmber Walden\, JD\, CWLS
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/national-trial-skills-training-new-york-city/
LOCATION:Legal Aid Society TAC office\, 55 Water Street\, New York\, NY\, 10004\, United States
CATEGORIES:Trainings
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260604T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260604T110000
DTSTAMP:20260428T194233Z
CREATED:20260428T193757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T194233Z
UID:10000111-1780567200-1780570800@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:The Intern Playbook: Succeeding in Child Welfare Practice
DESCRIPTION:The Intern Playbook: Succeeding in Child Welfare Practice is a foundational orientation designed to prepare law students for the realities of child welfare internships and clerkships. \nThis session focuses on the skills and expectations that are often assumed—but rarely taught—including how to understand and manage assignments\, communicate effectively with clients and supervisors\, and demonstrate professionalism in high-stakes\, client-centered environments. \nParticipants will gain practical strategies to stay on track\, ask the right questions\, and navigate their role with confidence from day one. Join us on Zoom!
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/the-intern-playbook-succeeding-in-child-welfare-practice/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260513T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260513T113000
DTSTAMP:20260430T204153Z
CREATED:20260430T204153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T204153Z
UID:10000110-1778666400-1778671800@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Centering Mental Health in Child Welfare Advocacy and Reasonable Efforts
DESCRIPTION:This session explores the critical role of mental health advocacy in child welfare cases\, with a focus on representing both parents and children. Participants will examine how mental health needs intersect with safety\, permanency\, and well being\, and how to effectively incorporate those considerations into litigation and case planning. The program will also address how to challenge and strengthen reasonable efforts to ensure services are appropriate\, accessible\, and truly responsive to family needs. \nPresenters:\nLosmin Jimenez Gregory\, JD – Jimenez Gregory Law\, LLC \nLosmin Jimenez Gregory is an experienced attorney and national advocate in immigration law\, right-to-counsel\, and access to justice for children and families. With nearly two decades of experience\, she has held leadership roles at Advancement Project\, Maryland Legal Aid\, Americans for Immigrant Justice\, and the Committee for Public Counsel Services. Her work has supported immigrant rights organizations nationwide on detention conditions\, education access\, and racial justice. She testified before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and has represented unaccompanied children through Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). \nShe is admitted to practice in Florida\, Maryland\, Massachusetts\, and Washington\, D.C. Losmin is the founder of Jimenez Gregory Law\, LLC\, and Access to Justice Consulting\, LLC\, where she partners with organizations to strengthen compliance\, build effective programs\, and expand access to high-quality legal services for children and families. \nMargo Townley\, MSW\, PsyD – Townley Integrated Psychological Services\, LLC \nAfter almost 20 years in and around Child Protection\, Margo Townley realized that DCF/MA’s practices are far behind the science\, and so she earned a Doctorate to be able to tell them so. She has been driven by spiteful nerdiness to seek out information that she can use to educate the System in order to do more help than harm. Mental health is impacted before\, during\, and after removal and has lasting impacts on children and adults. Discussing developmental trauma and helping the system better understand its impact is paramount to shifting paradigms to help children get the supports and services they need to be successful and not return to the system. It’s why she does what she does. \nCLE\nCalifornia (60-minute hour)\nThis 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. \nColorado (50‐minute hour) \nThis 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. \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/centering-mental-health-in-child-welfare-advocacy-and-reasonable-efforts/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260428T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260428T113000
DTSTAMP:20260430T161005Z
CREATED:20260401T174808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T161005Z
UID:10000105-1777370400-1777375800@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Fostering Sibling Connections: Using Courtroom Tools to Protect Sibling Bonds in Dependency Cases
DESCRIPTION: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. \nParticipants 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. \nPresenters:\nIvory Bennett\, M.Ed. – Program Manager\, Fostering Media Connections \nIvory 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. \nWith 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. \nLily Colby\, JD – Founder\, Fostering Sibling Connections \nAs 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. \nErica Hickey\, BA\, Lived Experience Expert – National Network for Fostering Sibling Connections \nErica 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. \nCLE\nCalifornia (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. \nColorado (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. \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/fostering-sibling-connections-using-courtroom-tools-to-protect-sibling-bonds-in-dependency-cases/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260416T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260416T190000
DTSTAMP:20260320T152421Z
CREATED:20260318T215348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T152421Z
UID:10000104-1776358800-1776366000@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Children's Rights at the Crossroads: A Fireside Conversation on the Future of Justice for Children
DESCRIPTION:At a pivotal moment in our nation’s history\, the rights of children stand at a crossroads. Hard-won progress is being challenged\, legal protections are under pressure\, and the stakes for children and families have never been higher. \nFor nearly 50 years\, the National Association of Counsel for Children has led the movement to ensure that every child has a voice in court. Today\, that mission is more urgent than ever. \nJoin us for an intimate evening of conversation\, reflection\, and forward vision as we explore what it will take to protect and advance children’s rights in the years ahead. Through powerful dialogue with national leaders\, we will examine the challenges before us—and the collective responsibility we share to meet them. \nThis event also marks the beginning of NACC’s 50th Anniversary celebration and highlights the vital role of the Children’s Justice Fund in fueling the next era of advocacy\, policy reform\, and legal excellence. \nSpeakers: \nCurrey Cook\, JD\, Director of the Youth in Out-of-Home Care Project\, Lambda Legal; NACC Board Vice President \nJanuary Contreras\, JD\, Executive Director\, Children’s Action Alliance; NACC Board Member \nSheri Freemont\, JD\, Managing Director\, Casey Family Programs Judicial and National Engagement; NACC Board Secretary \nJustin Grosz\, JD\, Co-Founder\, Justice for Kids; NACC Board Member \nDawne Mitchell\, JD\, Attorney in Charge\, The Legal Aid Society\, Juvenile Rights Practice; NACC Board President \nHors D’oeuvres and beverages provided. \nLimited parking. Recommended to take light rail to Union Station\, 16th Street Free Bus.  Additional paid lots on Wynkoop Street. \nThis is a closed event. RSVP required to attend.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/childrens-rights-at-the-crossroads-a-fireside-conversation-on-the-future-of-justice-for-children/
LOCATION:The Alliance Center\, 1536 Wynkoop St\, Suite 100\, Denver\, CO\, 80202\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Fireside-Chat-Panel.png
GEO:39.7511797;-105.001391
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Alliance Center 1536 Wynkoop St Suite 100 Denver CO 80202 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1536 Wynkoop St\, Suite 100:geo:-105.001391,39.7511797
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260318T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260318T133000
DTSTAMP:20260319T200124Z
CREATED:20260218T164447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T200124Z
UID:10000100-1773835200-1773840600@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Child Welfare Law Specialist Certification at 20: Proof\, Impact\, Next
DESCRIPTION:Since 2006\, the Child Welfare Law Specialist (CWLS) credential has aimed to raise the quality of attorney practice. Does it work? A year-long independent evaluation says yes. Hear the evidence\, what it means for courts and families\, how CWLS will evolve\, and practical steps to bring certification to your jurisdiction. \nPresenters:\nAllison Green\, JD\, CWLS – Chief Legal Officer\, NACC\nAllison Green\, JD\, CWLS\, joined Team NACC in 2019. She manages the organization’s policy advocacy\, oversees amicus work\, and provides training and technical assistance to child welfare practitioners nationwide. Allison previously served as a Foster America Fellow at Missouri’s Children’s Division and as Senior Supervising Attorney at the Children’s Law Center of Washington\, D.C. Allison started her career as a Jesuit Volunteer at Legal Services for Children in San Francisco and also worked as a counselor at a youth shelter. \nShe earned her law degree at Georgetown\, where she was a Public Interest Law Scholar and recipient of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Student Advocacy and Juvenile Justice Clinic Public Service Awards. She is a certified Child Welfare Law Specialist (CWLS) and has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. She is currently licensed to practice law in Washington\, D.C. \nStef Sloan\, PhD – Founder and Principal Investigator\, Participatory Action Research Collective\nDr. Stef Sloan is a participatory mixed methods researcher\, evaluator\, and social work professor. Dr. Sloan holds expertise in examining child welfare law programs\, interventions\, and services\, and is passionate about using a variety of methods to demonstrate impact and efficacy of child welfare law programs that promote continued investment. Dr. Sloan’s subject matter expertise includes child welfare and civil legal solutions\, pre-petition and preventative legal programs\, promoting the voices of lived expertise populations\, child maltreatment prevention\, child development\, child and family protective factors\, and strengthening families. \nDaniel Trujillo – Director of Certification\, Sales\, and Technology\, NACC\nDaniel joined the NACC staff in 2003 and has served in a variety of roles. He is currently the Director of Certification\, Sales\, and Technology. He oversees the Child Welfare Law Specialist certification program\, collaborates with CIP/CJA and states on live and virtual trainings\, and manages NACC’s tech delivery platforms. He truly enjoys serving the hardworking child welfare community to deliver the best services that NACC has to offer. \nView Recording of this Free Webinar:\nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/D3-tk4XXpUFBWBtQr11SjiMuODHEeYP2hmWxQ-GZzJ391HRK4XPN8wPxlavdpMPC.CtQjrsOaF1Cv0P_x \nCLE\nCalifornia (60-minute hour)\nThis 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. \nColorado (50‐minute hour) \nThis 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. \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/child-welfare-law-specialist-certification-at-20-proof-impact-next/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Trainings,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CWLS-Seal-Embossed-1000.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260304
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260307
DTSTAMP:20260303T192531Z
CREATED:20260205T201444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T192531Z
UID:10000098-1772582400-1772841599@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Professionalism & Ethics Symposium
DESCRIPTION:Join NACC for a dynamic Professionalism and Ethics Symposium designed for child welfare legal practitioners. This timely series brings together diverse perspectives and practical guidance on the professionalism and ethical challenges shaping child welfare legal representation today. \nGrounded in real-world experience and client-centered values\, each session fosters thoughtful dialogue and meaningful engagement while offering actionable strategies to address the ethics and professionalism issues practitioners face in their daily work. \nAttendees can earn up to 9 hours of ethics and professionalism CLE credit while gaining fresh insight\, shared understanding\, and practical tools to support ethical\, professional\, and high-quality legal representation in dependency proceedings. \nSummary of sessions: \nDay One – March 4\nSustaining Ethical Child Welfare Advocacy: Boundaries and Attorney Well-Being\n11:00am – 12:30pm ET \nMarcía Hopkins\, MSW – Support Center for Child Advocates \nKaSandra Rogiers\, JD\, MPH – K.A. Rames\, PC \nChild welfare practice demands high levels of commitment\, empathy\, and availability—often placing attorneys at risk of burnout and blurred professional boundaries. This session will explore ethical duties related to competence\, diligence\, communication\, and supervision\, and how unmanaged stress and overextension can undermine professional judgment and client representation. Attendees will gain practical strategies for setting boundaries\, managing workload expectations\, and sustaining effective\, ethical advocacy over the long term. \n  \nEthical Child Representation: Duties\, Considerations\, Conundrums\n1:00 – 2:30pm ET \nProfessor Myles Lynk\, JD\, Dean and Emeritus Professor\, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law\, Arizona State University \nAllison Green\, JD\, CWLS\, NACC Chief Legal Officer \nNatalece Washington\, JD\, CWLS\, NACC Policy Counsel \nJoin legal scholar Myles Lynk and NACC staff for a discussion of the unique ethical contours of children’s legal representation: duties of advocacy\, confidentiality\, loyalty and more. Participants will learn about recent updates to Model Rule 1.14\, practice its application\, and learn about ethical opinions from across jurisdictions that inform their duties. \n  \nDay Two – March 5\nProfessionalism\, Ethics\, and Peer Support Specialists in Child Welfare Cases\n11:00am – 12:30pm ET \nBionca Green\, Peer Advocate Benefits Specialist– Defender Association of Philadelphia \nAminah E. Husam-Young\, MS– Defender Association of Philadelphia \nDuane Price\, Peer Advocate– Defender Association of Philadelphia \nAnthony Simpson\, Peer Advocate– Defender Association of Philadelphia \nSydney Stafford\, JD – Defender Association of Philadelphia \nAs multidisciplinary legal representation increases\, peer support specialists—including parent partners and lived-experience advocates—are playing an expanding role in child welfare cases. This session will explore how child welfare attorneys and peer support specialists can navigate professional responsibilities related to confidentiality\, boundaries\, role clarity\, mandated reporting and client protection. Attendees will gain practical guidance for ethical\, effective coordination that supports high-quality\, multi-disciplinary representation in dependency proceedings. \n  \nProfessionalism & Ethics in the Virtual Child Welfare Courtroom\n1:00 – 2:30pm ET \nAngela Sager\, MPA\, Senior Court Management Consultant\, National Center for State Courts \nMariarenee Contreras\, JD\, Court Management Consultant\, National Center for State Courts \nRemote hearings are now a core part of child welfare practice—and they bring unique professionalism and ethics challenges. This session will equip child welfare attorneys with practical guidance for meeting ethical obligations in virtual and hybrid dependency hearings while preserving due process\, confidentiality\, and courtroom decorum. \nUsing best practices from the Guide for Remote Dependency Hearings\, the session will address attorney professionalism in the virtual courtroom\, effective client communication during remote proceedings\, safeguarding privacy and safety\, managing technology disruptions\, and promoting meaningful family engagement. Attendees will gain concrete strategies to strengthen advocacy\, protect clients’ rights\, and maintain the seriousness and integrity of child welfare proceedings in a remote environment. \n  \nDay Three – March 6\nThe Human in the Loop: How AI Might Make You a Better Advocate\n11:00am – 12:30pm ET \nBridgette Carr\, JD – University of Michigan Law School  \nVivek Sankaran\, JD\, CWLS – University of Michigan Law School \nAs artificial intelligence tools become increasingly accessible\, child welfare attorneys face complex ethical questions about when—and how—to use them in practice. Some practitioners avoid AI entirely\, while others risk overreliance that may compromise professional judgment. This session will explore the ethical considerations surrounding AI use in child welfare legal practice\, with a focus on attorney competence\, confidentiality\, supervision\, and accountability. Attendees will examine the responsibilities of both individual and supervising attorneys and engage in thoughtful discussion about how to integrate emerging technologies while upholding ethical obligations and client-centered advocacy. \n  \nPlaying By the Rules Representing Families\n1:00 – 2:30pm ET \nKayana Bradley\, PSS\, MHFA – NACCLR; Southeast Louisiana Legal Services \nGwendolyn Clegg\, JD – Oklahoma Office of Family Representation \nValerie Frost\, M.Ed. – Sunlight \nLouie Gasper\, BA – ABA Center on Children and the Law \nMaci Kean\, MBA – NACCLR; National Adoption Association \nModerated by Shannon Felder\, JD\, CWLS\, NACC Training Director \nMost attorneys know what the Rules of Professional Conduct say — but how do those rules show up in real-world child welfare practice? This interactive CLE will explore key professional responsibility rules through the lens of day-to-day representation of families. Attendees will examine what ethical obligations look like in practice\, including communication\, confidentiality\, diligence\, and the attorney as advisor. Guided by the perspectives of a managing attorney and lived experience experts\, the session will encourage meaningful conversation about how we can move beyond technical compliance toward ethical practice that truly supports families involved in the child welfare system.  Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how professional conduct rules apply in child welfare legal matters and concrete ideas for strengthening ethical\, client-centered representation. \n 
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/professionalism-ethics-symposium/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Trainings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Professionalism-Ethics-Symposium-2-options.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260226T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260226T113000
DTSTAMP:20260203T172518Z
CREATED:20260203T172202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T172518Z
UID:10000097-1772100000-1772105400@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:The Legacy of Control: The Racist Roots of the Family Policing System
DESCRIPTION:The modern “child welfare” system is not a neutral system of care—it is a continuation of historical practices rooted in slavery\, Indigenous child removal\, the orphan train movement\, and the interconnected policing of race and poverty. This webinar traces the lineage of state-sponsored family regulation in the United States\, revealing how state control and racial hierarchy have shaped interventions in family life. Attendees will examine how these enduring legacies persist in present-day laws and policies and learn strategies to confront and dismantle systemic harm through historically informed\, justice-centered legal advocacy.  \n  Attendees will walk away with:  \n\nA deeper understanding of how racism and state control shaped the evolution of the family policing system \n\n\nPractical tools to integrate historical analysis into litigation\, policy\, and advocacy efforts \n\n\nStrategies for advancing community-rooted approaches to family defense \n\nPresenters:\nAngela Olivia Burton\, JD – Attorney at Law   \nAngela Olivia Burton is a community lawyer\, scholar\, and public servant with over thirty years of experience advocating for the rights of parents and children in the family policing system. Her commitment to social justice is driven by a deep understanding of the systemic inequities faced by vulnerable families. Angela has consistently fought to protect the human\, constitutional\, and civil rights of marginalized individuals\, ensuring their voices are heard.  \nShemia Dillard\, Lived Experience Consultant – CWARE Collaborative  \nShemia Dillard is a dedicated advocate for national policy issues focused on girls and young mothers\, leveraging her extensive experience to drive meaningful change. Currently\, she serves as a Lived Expert with the CWARE (Child Welfare and Racial Equity) Collaborative\, contributing her insights and expertise to support vulnerable populations. Shemia has been advocating for foster youth\, young mothers\, girls\, and young women impacted by the system for over a decade. As a survivor herself\, she shares her lived experience to provide recommendations for improving systems and prioritizing those most affected. Shemia has testified and spoken in various Congressional briefings\, participated in public engagement events to raise awareness of issues impacting young women and youth\, and volunteers locally to address issues affecting her community.  \nHina Naveed\, JD – Policy and Legal Analyst for Racial Justice Initiatives\, Children’s Rights  \nHina Naveed joined Children’s Rights in 2023. Previously\, she was the 2021-2023 Aryeh Neier Fellow at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) where she conducted research on\, and pursued litigation and advocacy related to\, the US child welfare system. Hina also authored an ACLU/HRW report\, “If I Wasn’t Poor\, I Wouldn’t Be Unfit” The Family Separation Crisis in the US Child Welfare System\, in which she documented how the system too often removes children from their parents with scant evidence and limited protections for parents’ due process rights\, and disproportionately impacts children from over-policed\, underserved communities\, especially people of color and people living in poverty.   \nShanta Trivedi\, JD – Assistant Professor\, University of Baltimore School of Law  \nShanta Trivedi is an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Baltimore Law School and the Faculty Director for the Sayra and Neil Meyerhoff Center for Families\, Children\, and the Courts. She teaches courses on family law\, children’s and parents’ rights\, and child welfare law. Her scholarship focuses on preventing damage caused by family separation. Prior to academia\, Professor Trivedi worked for the Brooklyn Defender Services’ Family Defense Practice.  \nModerator: \nAlejandra Gomez – National Foster Youth Delegate at NFYI and Member of the Point Source Youth Advisory Board  \nAn urban Indigenous human rights advocate based in San Francisco\, Alejandra is Anishinaabe-Ojibway and Bear Clan on her mother’s side\, with roots in Couchiching First Nation (Treaty 3 Territory)\, and Chicana ties to the Yucatán. Her lived experience in child welfare fuels her powerful work centering Indigenous youth impacted by foster care\, mental health challenges\, and homelessness. Alejandra’s advocacy spans policy\, education\, and global human rights – building a future where every young person feels seen\, supported\, and empowered. 
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/the-legacy-of-control-the-racist-roots-of-the-family-policing-system/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260123T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260123T110000
DTSTAMP:20260107T204132Z
CREATED:20260105T201454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T204132Z
UID:10000092-1769160600-1769166000@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Well-Being in Child Advocacy: Supporting the People Who Do the Work
DESCRIPTION:Child advocacy work is demanding\, high-stakes\, and deeply human. Attorneys\, judges\, CASA volunteers\, and agency staff routinely work under significant pressure while engaging with complex systems and difficult subject matter. The support people receive in their day-to-day work – from colleagues\, supervisors\, and organizational culture – has a direct impact on both individual well-being and also the quality of advocacy children and families receive. \nThis 90-minute webinar will focus on well-being in child advocacy through the lens of professional relationships\, office culture\, and shared responsibility. Co-facilitated by a Child Welfare Law Specialist and a licensed mental health provider\, the session will explore how stress and secondary trauma affect people across roles\, how these challenges show up in workplaces\, and what practical steps individuals and organizations can take to better support one another. \nParticipants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to recognize strain in themselves and others\, engage in supportive professional interactions\, and contribute to healthier\, more sustainable work environments. \nPresenters:\nJosephine Vanderhorst\, JD\, CWLS – Senior Staff Attorney\, National Association of Counsel for Children \nJosephine C. Vanderhorst\, MFP\, JD\, CWLS\, joined NACC in 2024\, bringing eight years of dedicated experience in child welfare. A graduate of Tulane University Law School\, Josephine contributes invaluable legal insights to her role. Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tuskegee University and a master’s degree in forensic psychology from Argosy University\, she approaches advocacy with a holistic perspective. This multidisciplinary foundation enhances her ability to understand and address the complex needs of children and families within the child welfare system. Josephine’s journey began in 2015 at Southeast Louisiana Legal Services\, where she started as one of the unit’s first Lutz Fellows. In 2020\, she became the Managing Attorney. During her tenure\, she doubled the unit’s size and created a transformative multidisciplinary program\, hiring the first peer advocate at a children’s representation program in Louisiana and a social worker to provide comprehensive support. \nDr. Jasmine N. Warren – Director of Mental Health Services\, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health\, Cumberland \nDr. Jasmine N. Warren is a clinical social worker\, educator\, and clinical–policy leader with over 15 years of experience in child welfare\, behavioral health\, and community-based systems of care. She currently serves as Director of Mental Health Services at NYC Health + Hospitals | Gotham Health Cumberland\, overseeing Article 31 Behavioral Health\, Article 32 Substance Use Disorder\, and integrated behavioral health and medical social work programs. Dr. Warren also serves as a Clinical Supervisor at Second Chance Counseling and previously held leadership roles with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services\, where she supervised adoption agencies statewide and supported regulatory compliance and systems improvement. A seasoned clinician\, she specializes in CBT\, DBT\, trauma-informed\, and grief-focused care\, with a focus on improving services for children and adolescents involved in the child welfare system. She holds a DSW in Clinical-Policy Practice\, an MSW\, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and SIFI-certified supervisor. \nCLE\nCalifornia (60-minute hour) \nThis participatory activity has been accredited by the State Bar of California for a maximum of 1.5 hours of Wellness Competence credit for live and on-demand participation. Attorneys must sign in for CLE. \nColorado (50‐minute hour)  \nThis 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. \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/well-being-in-child-advocacy-supporting-the-people-who-do-the-work/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/January-webinar-2026.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260107T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260107T150000
DTSTAMP:20251217T220002Z
CREATED:20251217T215909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T220002Z
UID:10000091-1767794400-1767798000@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Conference Abstracts Q&A
DESCRIPTION:If you are interested in submitting an abstract for NACC’s conferences and want more detail on what NACC hopes to see in submissions\, join us January 7\, 2026 at 4:00pm EST for a live Q&A on abstract submission. \nJoin via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87095516807 \nIn the meantime\, read NACC’s Call for Abstracts. The deadline to submit an abstract is January 23.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/conference-abstracts-qa/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Prtlnd26_CfA_PromoSquare-2_1080x1080.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251210T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251210T143000
DTSTAMP:20251208T221618Z
CREATED:20251003T175641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T221618Z
UID:10000089-1765371600-1765377000@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Kids Can Be Clients: Honoring Children’s Capacity and Right to be Heard
DESCRIPTION:Young children need lawyers to safeguard their rights and interests\, yet assumptions about their capacity too often silence them. This session challenges frameworks that limit children ages 6–11 from participating in court and the attorney-client relationship. Presenters will highlight how developmental science on executive functioning\, communication\, reasoning\, and judgment supports their meaningful involvement in both court proceedings and also the attorney-client relationship.  \nPanelists will share insights and practical tools for engaging school-age children as decision-makers. Participants will leave with best practices for fostering experiences in and out of court that elevate youth voice.  \nModerator:\nLisa Kelly\, JD – Bobbe and Jon Bridge Professor of Child Advocacy\, Emeritus \nLisa Kelly is the Bobbe and Jon Bridge Professor of Child Advocacy\, Emeritus at the University of Washington School of Law. She directed the Children and Youth Advocacy Clinic for over 20 years during which time she supervised hundreds of law students in direct representation of children and youth ranging in age from 4 to 25 years old. She is the author of several articles\, including “Until the Client Speaks: Reviving the Legal Interest Model for Preverbal Children\,” and the narrative textbook\, “Representing Youth: Telling Stories\, Imagining Change.” \nPanelists:\nAngela Cook\, JD – Team Chief\, Children’s Attorneys Project\, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada \nAngela M. Cook\, Esq. is a Team Chief Attorney in the Children’s Attorneys Project at Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. She joined Legal Aid Center in 2015 and practices in the area of child welfare. She is also an Adjunct Professor of Law in the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law’s Samuel S. Lionel Externship Program. Angela serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the ACLU of Nevada\, Past President of the Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association\, State Coordinator for Nevada for the National Association of Counsel for Children\, and Board Member for the Board of Indigent Services for the Nevada Department of Indigent Defense Services. \nAngela’s educational background includes a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada\, Las Vegas. She earned her Juris Doctor from the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law in 2013. Angela is licensed to practice law in Nevada and U.S. Federal Court. \nHon. Kathleen Kroll – Judge\, 15th Judicial Circuit\, Palm Beach County\, Florida \nJudge Kathleen Kroll is a Circuit Court Judge in the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County\, FL. She was elected to the County Court bench in 1984 and appointed by the Governor to the Circuit Bench in 1994. She presently serves as Administrative Judge in the Juvenile Division and presides over the Early Childhood Court for Palm Beach County. She is a long-standing member of the Florida Supreme Court Steering Committee on Children and Families and serves on the Board of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. \nPrior to taking the bench\, she was a general litigation attorney for the national law firm of Baskin and Sears in Boca Raton. She spent four years with the Public Defender’s Office where she served as Senior Trial Assistant and Chief of Capital Crimes. In Washington D.C. she worked for the Department of Justice in the Office for the Improvement in the Administration of Justice. \nAdiaha Spinks-Franklin\, MD\, MPH\, FAAP – Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician\, DBP Doc\, PLLC \nAdiaha Spinks-Franklin is a board-certified Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician\, wife\, mother\, and grandmother. She has over 20 years of experience caring for children\, adolescents\, and adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral health conditions. Her clinical\, educational\, research\, and advocacy expertise are on the impact of racism\, ableism\, and other traumas on the development\, behavior\, and health of children. She serves on numerous national pediatric committees. She identifies as Wonder Woman. \n  \n  \nCLE\nCalifornia (60-minute hour) \nThis 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. \nColorado (50‐minute hour) \nThis course is accredited 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. \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/kids-can-be-clients-honoring-childrens-capacity-and-right-to-be-heard/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/December-Webinar-2025-Presenters.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251120T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251120T113000
DTSTAMP:20251118T195821Z
CREATED:20251022T155113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T195821Z
UID:10000090-1763632800-1763638200@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Civil Rights in Child Welfare Law: Advocacy and Action
DESCRIPTION:What if many of the child welfare cases on your docket are also civil rights cases? This webinar reframes child welfare advocacy through a powerful civil rights lens – revealing how Constitutional protections and federal statutes can be game-changers for both your individual clients and for systemic reform efforts. We will discuss how historic patterns of discrimination continue to drive modern inequities in child welfare and attendees will learn to wield civil rights laws\, including the Fourteenth and Fourth Amendments\, as strategic tools to protect family integrity and advance racial justice. \nAttendees will walk away with: \n\nPractical strategies to identify civil rights claims within your cases\nReal-world examples of successful constitutional challenges to surveillance\, removal\, and discriminatory treatment\nActionable litigation and advocacy tools that go beyond traditional family court arguments\n\nPresenters:\nAubrey Edwards-Luce\, JD – Executive Director\, Sayra and Neil Meyerhoff Center for Families\, Children and Courts\, University of Baltimore School of Law \nAubrey Edwards-Luce is the Executive Director of the Sayra and Neil Meyerhoff Center for Families\, Children and Courts (CFCC)\, where she works to ensure that families have resources to avoid unnecessary court involvement. She is dedicated to co-creating liberating solutions with those most affected by social and legal systems. Aubrey is a social worker turned lawyer who has over 15 years of work experience with children and families who were already in or were at-risk of entering court systems. \nHer legal career started at the Children’s Law Center in DC\, where she was guardian ad litem attorney before becoming a policy attorney. Prior to joining CFCC\, she was the Vice President of Child Welfare and Youth Justice at First Focus on Children. Aubrey founded the Child Welfare and Racial Equity (CWARE) Collaborative in 2020. This coalition of federal policy advocates and lived experts works to radically transform the child welfare system and create anti-racist policies and systems. Aubrey lives with her family in Prince George’s County\, Maryland on unceded land of the Piscataway people. She has lived experience as a hidden foster care caregiver. \nHina Naveed\, JD – Policy and Legal Analyst for Racial Justice Initiatives\, Children’s Rights \nHina Naveed joined Children’s Rights in 2023. Previously\, she was the 2021-2023 Aryeh Neier Fellow at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) where she conducted research on\, and pursued litigation and advocacy related to\, the US child welfare system. \nHina also authored an ACLU/HRW report\, “If I Wasn’t Poor\, I Wouldn’t Be Unfit” The Family Separation Crisis in the US Child Welfare System\, in which she documented how the system too often removes children from their parents with scant evidence and limited protections for parents’ due process rights\, and disproportionately impacts children from over-policed\, underserved communities\, especially people of color and people living in poverty. \nHina earned her BS as a Registered Nurse from the College of Staten Island and her JD from the City University of New York School of Law. While pursuing her law degree\, Hina worked in a child welfare agency serving children in the NYC foster system. \nStephanie Persson\, JD – Senior Staff Attorney\, Children’s Rights \nStephanie is a Senior Staff Attorney at Children’s Rights\, where she works on class action litigation to improve government systems for children and youth. Her cases have advocated for improved state child welfare systems\, eliminating harmful solitary confinement in juvenile detention facilities\, providing adequate mental health care to children through Medicaid\, and ensuring equitable support for kinship families seeking to foster relative children. \nStephanie is also a lecturer at UC Santa Cruz where she teaches a course on Children and the Law and a member of the Advisory Committee for the American Bar Association’s Commission on Youth and Family Justice. Stephanie received her BA from the University of Washington and her JD from Columbia Law School. \nCLE\nCalifornia (60-minute hour) \nThis 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. \nColorado (50‐minute hour) \nThis course is accredited 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. \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/civil-rights-in-child-welfare-law-advocacy-and-action/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/November-Webinar-2025-Presenters.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251112
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251115
DTSTAMP:20251208T212258Z
CREATED:20250116T213912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T212258Z
UID:10000071-1762905600-1763164799@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:2025 Conference - Online
DESCRIPTION:NACC’s annual conference brings together professionals from child welfare law and intersecting fields to further NACC’s mission and exchange ideas\, information\, and collective efforts. \nThe theme of this year’s conference is Catalysts for Change: Innovating Advocacy through Power Sharing and Transformational Leadership. The theme underscores the need to rethink traditional advocacy models\, actively share power\, and harness the creativity and resourcefulness of all involved in child welfare systems to drive lasting\, meaningful practice and policy reform. We hope you’ll join us to connect with peers\, learn\, and consider new ways to advocate for justice for children and families. \nThis registration is only for NACC’s November 2025 online conference. \nNACC Members: Make sure you are logged in before registering to get your member discount. \nIf you would like to register a group or have questions\, please contact: conference@naccchildlaw.org. Please review NACC’s conference refund policy before registering. \nAttendees of NACC’s Cleveland conference will receive a discount code for this online conference. \nPreview the Online Conference Program.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/2025-conference-online/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NACC2025-ONLINE-Stacked-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250924T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250924T110000
DTSTAMP:20250908T181758Z
CREATED:20250908T181758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T181758Z
UID:10000088-1758708000-1758711600@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Student Town Hall Fall 2025
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special online town hall designed for student members and student chapters! This is a space to connect\, share experiences\, and hear from peers who are exploring careers in child welfare law. Whether you’re just beginning to consider this path or already deeply engaged\, the town hall is an opportunity to build community\, ask questions\, and learn from one another. Together\, we’ll discuss challenges\, opportunities\, and ways to strengthen student involvement in shaping the future of child welfare advocacy.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/student-town-hall-fall-2025/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250923T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250923T133000
DTSTAMP:20250918T215800Z
CREATED:20250829T172247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T215800Z
UID:10000087-1758628800-1758634200@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Lived Experience Guide to Fixing Foster Care: Recommendations from Youth\, Caregivers\, and Workers
DESCRIPTION:This webinar will be led by Serita Cox\, Co-Founder and CEO of iFoster\, and centers on the release of the second annual Voice of the Foster Care Community research report and its companion piece\, the Lived Experience Guide to Fixing Foster Care.  \nThese crucial publications are the culmination of surveys and listening sessions conducted with over 4\,500 youth\, caregivers\, and frontline workers within the child welfare system. Building upon last year’s report\, this work now reflects insights from a total of 6\,000 individuals with lived experiences\, shaping the actionable recommendations in the Lived Experience Guide.  \nSerita will explore key findings and recommendations outlined in the guide including critical topics such as prevention\, removal and entry into care\, time in care\, exit to permanency\, and challenges to self sufficiency. Through the lens of youth and their personal journeys within the child welfare system\, Serita will offer actionable recommendations and insights for child welfare law practitioners.  \nPresenter\nSerita Cox\, MBA – Co-Founder & CEO\, iFoster  \nSerita Cox is the co-founder and CEO of iFoster\, a national nonprofit serving children and youth in foster care and those aging out of care. iFoster works to ensure that every youth growing up outside of their biological home has the resources and opportunities they need to become successful\, independent adults. iFoster is the largest community in foster care with over 70\,000 members supporting over a quarter of a million system-impacted children and youth annually. Serita is responsible for iFoster’s strategy and programs.  \nShe brings to bear her personal experience with foster care\, devoted commitment to a number of youth development initiatives\, and over a decade of experience in executive-level management in Silicon Valley\, corporate strategy consulting\, and nonprofit strategy consulting. Despite all this corporateness\, she is also the person “most likely to be hugged” by a client. For her work with iFoster\, Serita has been recognized as a White House Office of Social Innovation Citizen Innovator\, an Echoing Green Fellow\, and an American Leader of Change. Serita has an MBA from McGill University.  \nCLE\nCalifornia (60-minute hour)  \nThis 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.  \nColorado (50‐minute hour)  \nThis course is accredited 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.  \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/lived-experience-guide-to-fixing-foster-care-recommendations-from-youth-caregivers-and-workers/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cox-Serita.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250901
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251202
DTSTAMP:20250926T191148Z
CREATED:20250730T201000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T191148Z
UID:10000086-1756684800-1764633599@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Foundational Principles of Child Welfare Law & Practice
DESCRIPTION:NACC offers the Foundational Principles of Child Welfare Law & Practice online training course to help you improve your practice when it works best for you! \nDesigned for practitioners who represent children\, parents\, or the child welfare agency\, this dynamic training is grounded in the fourth edition of the Red Book—the national standard in child welfare law. Whether you’re new to the field or deepening your expertise\, this self-paced online course equips you with the essential legal knowledge and advocacy skills to provide high quality legal representation. Explore the legal framework\, stages of a case\, common substantive issues\, and core attorney roles. \nThis training has a new digital platform so you can learn online at your pace. Attend sessions when they best fit your calendar. It is flexible\, asynchronous\, and serves as key preparation for attorneys pursuing Child Welfare Law Specialist certification. \nEach module is interactive and accommodates various learning styles through videos\, reading assignments\, reflection questions\, and embedded knowledge checks. Learn at your own pace\, review key concepts\, and apply knowledge through scenario-based exercises. \nThis is NACC’s signature Red Book Training\, now reimagined as a flexible\, asynchronous course. It also serves as key preparation for those pursuing Child Welfare Law Specialist (CWLS) certification.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/foundational-principles-of-child-welfare-law-practice/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Foundations Training,Trainings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250811
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250814
DTSTAMP:20250810T191304Z
CREATED:20250116T213608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250810T191304Z
UID:10000069-1754870400-1755129599@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:2025 Conference - Cleveland
DESCRIPTION:NACC’s annual conference brings together professionals from child welfare law and intersecting fields to further NACC’s mission and exchange ideas\, information\, and collective efforts. \nThe theme of this year’s conference is Catalysts for Change: Innovating Advocacy through Power Sharing and Transformational Leadership. The theme underscores the need to rethink traditional advocacy models\, actively share power\, and harness the creativity and resourcefulness of all involved in child welfare systems to drive lasting\, meaningful practice and policy reform. We hope you’ll join us in Cleveland to connect with peers\, learn\, and consider new ways to advocate for justice for children and families. \nThis registration is only for NACC’s 2025 in-person conference at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown\, August 11-13. Pre-conference events will be August 10 (separate registration required). A separate conference will be held virtually in November (separate registration required). Registrants for NACC’s Cleveland Conference will receive a discount code for NACC’s Online Conference. \nNACC Members: Make sure you are logged in before registering to get your member discount. \nIf you would like to register a group or have questions\, please contact: conference@naccchildlaw.org. Please review NACC’s conference refund policy before registering. \nPreview the conference program.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/2025-conference-cleveland/
LOCATION:Hilton Cleveland Downtown\, 100 Lakeside Avenue East\, Cleveland\, OH\, 44114\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NACC2025-CLEVE-Stacked-1-1.png
GEO:41.5029144;-81.6955564
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hilton Cleveland Downtown 100 Lakeside Avenue East Cleveland OH 44114 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=100 Lakeside Avenue East:geo:-81.6955564,41.5029144
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250810T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250810T203000
DTSTAMP:20250604T143432Z
CREATED:20250314T153722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250604T143432Z
UID:10000081-1754848800-1754857800@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Self-Compassion Hike
DESCRIPTION:Sponsored by Casey Family Programs \nBack for a second year is our Self-Compassion Hike experience offered by our friends at Casey Family Programs. This experience will be a safe and stress-free way to spend an evening while at Conference. Our sponsors arrange everything\, including transportation to a tranquil location where we can enjoy and experience nature of the area\, a boxed-dinner\, and a brief discussion on the benefits of nature experiences and connecting with our colleagues.\nResearch is clear that humans benefit from time in nature\, calming our minds and stimulating the senses. We also hope you will have some chats if you choose to meet new people\, but also make room for silence if that is what you need on your walk. \nImportant details: This experience is not intended to be a vigorous hike and so if you are looking for a serious burn\, this one may not be for you. We will walk at a comfortable pace. The distance will be reasonable for about an hour’s time\, but it can be shortened at any time with no worries. You will need comfortable shoes and water. You may consider long sleeves for bug bite prevention. Temperatures average between 62-81 degrees. \nPlease meet in the hotel lobby at 6:00pm\, we will leave promptly at 6:15.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/self-compassion-hike/
LOCATION:Hilton Cleveland Downtown\, 100 Lakeside Avenue East\, Cleveland\, OH\, 44114\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Casey-Family-Programs-1.jpg
GEO:41.5029144;-81.6955564
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hilton Cleveland Downtown 100 Lakeside Avenue East Cleveland OH 44114 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=100 Lakeside Avenue East:geo:-81.6955564,41.5029144
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250810T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250810T161500
DTSTAMP:20250521T210453Z
CREATED:20250516T161911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T210453Z
UID:10000085-1754821800-1754842500@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Children's Law Office Project Convening 2025
DESCRIPTION:NACC’s Children’s Law Office Project Convening provides specialized training for the leaders and managers of nonprofit children’s law offices\, government agencies\, and private firms providing children’s legal representation. This convening offers opportunities for senior leaders and emerging leaders to learn best practices in organizational representation of children and youth. Lunch included. \nSession 1: The Power of Partnership: Judges and Lawyers Uniting to Transform Legal Representation of Children \nChildren’s lawyers have the power to transform the child welfare system one case at a time. But with high caseloads\, low pay\, inadequate training and support\, what is a lawyer to do? In this session attendees will learn concrete ways to address common roadblocks and to empower children’s lawyers to provide the kind of representation that every child client deserves. The presenters will share how they utilized Title IV-E funding to transform representation of children in Chatham County\, Georgia\, and how this experience informed statewide improvement efforts. The presenters will deconstruct the process\, so attendees learn a proven method of change. Attendees will apply the lessons to their specific roadblocks (large or small) and will leave inspired and ready to take action. \nPresenters: \nHon. Thomas Cole – Chatham County Juvenile Court\nAngela Orkin\, JD – True North Child Advocates \nSession 2: Show Me the Money: Effectively Using Program Evaluation to Secure Program Funding \nThe Nebraska Children’s Justice Programs have secured more than $13 million dollars over eight years to fund new and innovative attorney education programs. Program evaluation — the systematic process for assessing program implementation and impact — has been an essential tool for securing and maintaining program funding. Through evidence-based storytelling\, program evaluation elevates program activities and impacts to communicate the value of a program. Public and private funders increasingly require program evaluation to demonstrate the program and funder’s impacts. In this session\, the Nebraska Children’s Justice Programs’ program director and evaluator will discuss how they collaborate to obtain and sustain program funding. \nPresenters: \nKatherine Hazen\, JD\, PHD – Northeastern University\nMichelle Paxton\, JD – University of Nebraska \nSession 3: Making Representation a Reality through Co-Design: Leveraging Lived Experience to Inform Policy and Secure Legal Representation for Foster Youth \nIn 2021\, in collaboration with The Mockingbird Society\, the SDMC successfully advocated for the passage of Washington State’s HB 1217\, legislation that ensures legal representation for young people in foster care. This workshop will discuss the framework of the SDMC-developed co-design process\, emphasizing how integrating the lived experiences of foster youth can inform and transform policy. Participants will gain insights into the co-design methodology\, understand its application in legislative advocacy\, and receive actionable steps to initiate similar advocacy efforts in their respective states. Participants will learn how to effectively incorporate lived experiences into advocacy strategies to influence legislation\, as well as how to assess policy gaps\, build coalitions\, and navigate legislative processes to advance legal representation for foster youth. \nPresenter: Samuel Martin\, MPA\, Lived Experience Expert – SDM Consulting (Co-Design Institute) \n 
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/childrens-law-office-project-convening-2025/
LOCATION:Hilton Cleveland Downtown\, 100 Lakeside Avenue East\, Cleveland\, OH\, 44114\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conference
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GEO:41.5029144;-81.6955564
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hilton Cleveland Downtown 100 Lakeside Avenue East Cleveland OH 44114 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=100 Lakeside Avenue East:geo:-81.6955564,41.5029144
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250810
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250811
DTSTAMP:20250805T200854Z
CREATED:20250313T174802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T200854Z
UID:10000080-1754784000-1754870399@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Red Book Training Tier 2: Trial Skills for Child Welfare Attorneys
DESCRIPTION:Take your trial advocacy skills to the next level with Red Book Training Course Tier 2: Trial Skills for Child Welfare Attorneys – an exclusive training designed to elevate trial practice for child welfare attorneys\, including agency attorneys\, prosecutors\, parent attorneys\, GAL attorneys\, and children’s attorneys. This intensive program distills key principles from Chapters 35 and 36 of the Red Book (Fundamentals of Child Welfare Law and Practice\, 4th Edition)\, providing you with essential strategies to enhance your courtroom performance. Learn how to conduct effective examinations and navigate evidentiary issues with confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your advocacy and deliver better outcomes for children and families. \nPrerequisite: Completion of the Red Book Training Course (Tier 1) or CWLS Certification \nPresenters:\nShannon Felder\, JD\, CWLS\, NACC Training Director \nJosephine C. Vanderhorst\, MFP\, JD\, CWLS\, NACC Senior Staff Attorney \nAmber Walden\, JD\, CWLS\, Attorney Consultant \n  \nTopics Covered:\n• Strategic Witness Preparation – Techniques to enhance witness credibility and confidence.\n• Maximizing Pretrial Motions and Stipulations – Leveraging procedural tools to strengthen your case before trial.\n• Mastering Direct and Cross-Examination of Fact Witnesses – Effective questioning strategies with emphasis on testimony by parents and agency social workers.\n• Expert Witness Examination Techniques – Building and challenging expert testimony to support your case.\n• Evidence Essentials: Admissibility and Objections – Navigating evidentiary rules to protect and present key evidence.\n• Navigating Child Testimony – Handling the complexities of questioning child witnesses with care and sensitivity. \nPrice:\nNACC Members: $550 \nNonmembers: $645 \nCWLS: $495 \nAttendance is limited. Lunch included.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/rbtc-tier-2-trial-skills-for-child-welfare-attorneys/
LOCATION:Hilton Cleveland Downtown\, 100 Lakeside Avenue East\, Cleveland\, OH\, 44114\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conference,Foundations Training,Trainings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/columns.jpg
GEO:41.5029144;-81.6955564
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hilton Cleveland Downtown 100 Lakeside Avenue East Cleveland OH 44114 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=100 Lakeside Avenue East:geo:-81.6955564,41.5029144
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250810
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250811
DTSTAMP:20250521T205908Z
CREATED:20250212T183934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T205908Z
UID:10000075-1754784000-1754870399@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Pre-Conference Red Book Training 2025
DESCRIPTION: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 (CWLS) certification exam. This one-day\, in-person training in Cleveland is based on the fourth edition of Child Welfare Law and Practice: Representing Children\, Parents\, and Agencies in Neglect\, Abuse\, and Dependency Cases — more commonly known as the Red Book. The training will cover the following areas of the Red Book\, as well as practice exam questions: \n\nOverarching Legal Structure and Themes\nLegal Case from Beginning to End\nDiscrete Issues\nLawyering Roles\nEssential Lawyering Skills\n\nPresenter: Betsy Fordyce\, JD\, CWLS \nSeparate registration fee required. Lunch included.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/pre-conference-red-book-training-2025/
LOCATION:Hilton Cleveland Downtown\, 100 Lakeside Avenue East\, Cleveland\, OH\, 44114\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conference,Foundations Training,Trainings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/redbook-training.jpg
GEO:41.5029144;-81.6955564
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hilton Cleveland Downtown 100 Lakeside Avenue East Cleveland OH 44114 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=100 Lakeside Avenue East:geo:-81.6955564,41.5029144
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250530T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250530T120000
DTSTAMP:20250529T222011Z
CREATED:20250430T171642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250529T222011Z
UID:10000083-1748601000-1748606400@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:The Role of the Client-Directed Children's Attorney
DESCRIPTION:This webinar will provide an in-depth overview of the client-directed model of child representation\, with a focus on the attorney’s ethical responsibilities. Presenters will emphasize the importance of engaging youth in developmentally appropriate ways to understand their legal objectives\, render advice\, and support their meaningful participation in court proceedings. \nThrough the use of hypotheticals\, the session will highlight practical strategies for delivering high-quality legal services where youth perspective and legal needs are championed throughout the legal process. The webinar will also explore the national landscape of youth access to legal counsel and examine emerging legislative trends that support this model. \nPresenters:\nAllison Green\, JD\, CWLS – Chief Legal Officer\, National Association of Counsel for Children  \nAllison Green\, JD\, CWLS joined Team NACC in 2019. She manages the organization’s policy advocacy\, oversees amicus work\, and provides training and technical assistance to child welfare practitioners nationwide.  Allison previously served as a Foster America Fellow at Missouri’s Children’s Division and as Senior Supervising Attorney at the Children’s Law Center of Washington\, D.C. Allison started her career as a Jesuit Volunteer at Legal Services for Children in San Francisco and also worked as a counselor at a youth shelter. She earned her law degree at Georgetown\, where she was a Public Interest Law Scholar and recipient of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Student Advocacy and Juvenile Justice Clinic Public Service Awards. She is a certified Child Welfare Law Specialist (CWLS) and has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. She is currently licensed to practice law in Washington\, D.C. \nJahlia Hernandez – Youth Voice Organizer\, The Children’s Law Center of New York \nJahlia Hernandez is the founding fellow of the Children’s Voice Project (CVP) at The Children’s Law Center (CLC)\, an initiative that empowers children involved in custody\, visitation\, guardianship\, and family offense cases. As a former CLC client\, Ms. Hernandez draws from her 12-year family court experience to advocate for youth affected by similar legal challenges. CVP educates and supports children often overlooked in the legal system\, especially in contested custody and visitation matters. Under her leadership\, CVP develops youth-led\, inclusive materials on the family court process\, including the role of the Attorney for the Child. The project also recruits and trains former clients to become fellows who share their family court perspective. Ms. Hernandez graduated from Rowan University in May 2024 and will attend law school in the fall to pursue her goal of being an Attorney for Children. Through CVP\, she works to amplify children’s voices and protect their rights in Family Court. \nChristopher Imperioli\, JD – Staff Attorney\, The Children’s Law Center of New York \nChristopher Imperioli is a staff attorney at the Children’s Law Center of New York (CLCNY) in its trial unit. He has over 18 years of experience as a litigator practicing in New York\, with the vast majority of that experience in family law. He has spent the last 9 years at CLCNY directly representing children in custody\, visitation\, family offense (order of protection)\, paternity\, and neglect and abuse (dependency) proceedings. He received his JD from New York Law School in 2006\, and a BA from the State University of New York at Albany in 2003. \nNatalece Washington\, JD\, CWLS – Policy Counsel\, National Association of Counsel for Children \nNatalece Washington\, JD\, CWLS\, joined Team NACC in January 2021 as Policy Counsel where she leads the Counsel for Kids Campaign at the state level. The campaign influences and drives policy change to ensure legal representation for all children experiencing foster care. Prior to joining NACC\, Natalece had 10 years of child welfare experience exemplifying her commitment to improved outcomes for dependent children. Natalece served as Policy Administrator with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services\, Director of Operations for Fulton County CASA\, Inc.\, and Senior Child Advocate Attorney at the DeKalb County Child Advocacy Center. Natalece has been certified by NACC as a Child Welfare Law Specialist since 2015. \nCLE:\nCalifornia (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 after the session concludes. \nColorado (50‐minute hour) – This course has been accredited 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 after the session concludes. Colorado is a self-report state. \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/the-role-of-the-client-directed-childrens-attorney/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/May-2025-webinar.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250428T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250428T123000
DTSTAMP:20250402T201211Z
CREATED:20250327T140034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250402T201211Z
UID:10000082-1745838000-1745843400@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Leveraging Technology to Improve Client Engagement & Legal Representation in Child Welfare Cases
DESCRIPTION:In this NACC member webinar\, 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.  \nParticipants will gain insight into how attorneys can use technology to improve client engagement and coordination between everyone involved in a child welfare case. Ryan will recount the compelling story of his foster son’s nearly seven-year journey in foster care\, despite his father never being accused of abuse or neglect\, and how Your Case Plan helped bridge the communication gap between family members\, legal representatives\, and the court system. Attendees will also learn how to recognize common challenges and biases that can delay reunification and explore how technology can foster collaboration and ensure more accurate\, real-time information in child welfare cases.  \nPresenters:\nGwendolyn Clegg\, JD – Executive Director\, Oklahoma Office of Family Representation  \nGwendolyn L. Clegg has dedicated the past twenty-three years of her legal career to representing parents\, children\, and families involved in Oklahoma’s juvenile deprived court system. In 2024\, Gwendolyn Clegg was appointed as the Executive Director of Oklahoma’s new state-wide Family Representation and Advocacy Program. The Program is a legislative-funded central office for high-quality legal representation for parents and children. Prior to her appointment\, she was the Program Director of the Parent Representation Defense Program at Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma\, Inc.\, in Tulsa County after having served the program as the Managing Attorney. LASO’s parent defense program was the first and only proof of concept interdisciplinary parent defense office in the state of Oklahoma. She received her JD from the University of Tulsa\, College of Law in 2000 and her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Northeastern State University in 1994.  \nRyan O’Donnell\, Tech Entrepreneur & Former Foster Parent; CEO & Co-Founder\, Your Case Plan by Sunlight  \nRyan O’Donnell is a serial tech entrepreneur and former foster parent on a mission to use technology for good. Based in Raleigh\, North Carolina\, he serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of Sunlight and is on a mission to strengthen America’s social safety net\, starting with our broken child welfare system. Their first product\, Your Case Plan\, improves legal representation and communication in child welfare cases in order to reduce the time children spend in foster care. He brings over a decade of experience starting and scaling technology start-ups\, where he has helped over 30\,000 people get jobs\, build two national fundraising platforms\, and broke the Guinness World Record for the largest food drive in 24 hours at a single location. He is a proud graduate of the NC School of Science and Mathematics and NC State University.  \nCLE:\nCalifornia (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 after the session concludes. \nColorado (50‐minute hour) – This course has been accredited 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 after the session concludes. Colorado is a self-report state. \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/leveraging-technology-to-improve-client-engagement-legal-representation-in-child-welfare-cases/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/April-28-2025-Webinar.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250423
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250612
DTSTAMP:20250327T215000Z
CREATED:20250130T193705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250327T215000Z
UID:10000073-1745366400-1749686399@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Online Child Welfare Law Red Book Training Course - Spring 2025
DESCRIPTION:Wednesdays\, 3:00 – 4:30pm MT. \nThe 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. \nThe 2025 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. View the course syllabus. \nThis course will not cover every part of every chapter. The instructor has made intentional decisions about what information to cover in the time that is allotted for the course. If part of a chapter is not covered\, that does not mean that content will not appear on the exam. Therefore\, you should incorporate any parts that are not covered into your self-study plans.  \nThe registration fee is $225 per person for groups and NACC members ($125 for CWLS; $300 for nonmembers) and includes access to live sessions\, recordings\, the electronic Red Book\, and the RBTC workbook. Email Training@NACCchildlaw.org for group registration. All sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing at the attendee’s convenience.   Hardcopies of the Red Book are available for purchase. A hardcopy Red Book is included in the Child Welfare Law Specialist application fee. \nBecome a Member of NACC for discount pricing.  \nCLE\n2025 Spring RBTC CLE Info
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/online-red-book-training-course-spring-2025/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Foundations Training,Trainings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/redbook-training.jpg
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