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UID:10000102-1767225600-1798847999@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Foundations of Child Welfare Law - Asynchronous Online Training
DESCRIPTION:Foundations of Child Welfare Law and Practice is NACC’s signature training\, designed to provide a comprehensive overview of child welfare law and practice\, and to help attorneys prepare for the Child Welfare Law Specialist certification exam. \nThis is an asynchronous\, online training. Learn at your own pace when it best fits your schedule. \nThis training is based on the 4th 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.    \nThe training will cover the following areas of the Red Book\, as well as practice exam questions:   \n\nOverarching Legal Structure and Themes  \n\n\nLegal Case from Beginning to End  \n\n\nDiscrete Issues  \n\n\nLawyering Roles  \n\n\nEssential Lawyering Skills  \n\nRegistration Rates:\nNACC Members $225  \nNonmembers $300 
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/foundations-of-child-welfare-law-asynchronous-online-training/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Foundations Training,Trainings
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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
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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;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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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
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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
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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/
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END:VEVENT
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;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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
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/Denver:20260928T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260928T120000
DTSTAMP:20260915T175205Z
CREATED:20260827T193020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T175205Z
UID:10000117-1790591400-1790596800@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Rethinking Professionalism: Disrupting Norms that Silence\, Exclude\, and Maintain the Status Quo
DESCRIPTION:Professionalism training is everywhere in child welfare law—but what are we actually training people to do? Too often\, we train them to stay quiet when harm occurs\, to maintain a polite tone when confronting injustice\, and to defer to systems rather than challenge them. These norms don’t protect children or families; they protect power. \nIn this session\, we argue that “professionalism” as currently defined often serves as a tool of oppression—one that filters out voices with lived experience\, disciplines dissent\, and conditions legal practitioners to avoid discomfort. But discomfort is necessary for change. We will lead a facilitated conversation that calls out these dynamics and invites participants to redefine professionalism as a practice rooted in courage\, relationship\, and equity. We’ll share real-world examples\, invite honest reflection\, and leave space for new visions to emerge. Because if we’re serious about transforming child welfare\, we have to start with how we show up in the work—and who gets to speak. \nPresenters: \nShannon Felder\, JD\, CWLS – Training Director\, National Association of Counsel for Children \nShannon Felder joined NACC as Training Director in February 2024\, helping to ensure legal professionals have the resources they need to provide high-quality representation of children\, parents\, and agencies. Shannon originally became involved in the child welfare legal system serving as a volunteer GAL for CASA while in law school. After a judicial clerkship\, she entered private practice as a civil litigator focusing on personal injury\, including nursing home abuse and neglect. While in private practice\, she served as a contract attorney for the GAL program in South Carolina. After 14 years in litigation\, she joined the South Carolina Department of Social Services where she was a Managing Attorney for 10 years before coming to NACC. She earned her JD from the University of South Carolina School of Law where she was a Carolina Legal Scholar\, member of the South Carolina Law Review\, and President of the Black Law Students Association. She is certified by NACC as a Child Welfare Law Specialist. She is licensed to practice law in South Carolina and is a member of the SC Bar Children’s Law Committee and the SC Black Lawyer’s Association. \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\, Josephine became the Managing Attorney. During her tenure\, she not only doubled the unit’s size but also 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. \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/rethinking-professionalism-disrupting-norms-that-silence-exclude-and-maintain-the-status-quo/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Member Event,Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20261008T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20261008T113000
DTSTAMP:20260903T180236Z
CREATED:20260903T180236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T180236Z
UID:10000118-1791455400-1791459000@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Student Town Hall - Fall 2026
DESCRIPTION:Join NACC for a virtual town hall via Zoom to learn about the child welfare law community and NACC’s work. We hope you’ll join us! Free\, but registration required. \nContact olivia.riggs@naccchildlaw.org with questions! 
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/student-town-hall-fall-2026/
LOCATION:Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naccchildlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1390852878-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261014
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261017
DTSTAMP:20260827T192201Z
CREATED:20260128T173410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T192201Z
UID:10000096-1791936000-1792195199@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:2026 Conference - Online
DESCRIPTION:NACC’s 49th National Child Welfare Law Conference Online \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.  The theme of this year’s conference is Solutions That Sustain: Cultivating Community\, Advancing Practice.  \nThis 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. \nPreview Online Conference Program \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.  \nThis registration is only for NACC’s Online Conference\, October 14-16\, 2026. \nIf you have a large group to register\, please contact conference@naccchildlaw.org. By registering for this conference\, registrants agree to NACC’s Conference Registration Policies. \nOnline Conference Registration Rates:\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n \nEarly Registration (through September 30)\nRegular Registration (starting October 1)\n\n\nNACC Member\n$300\n$400\n\n\nCWLS\n$275\n$275\n\n\nNonmember\n$500\n$600
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/2026-conference-online/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Conference
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261118
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261121
DTSTAMP:20261027T195840Z
CREATED:20260917T202219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T195840Z
UID:10000119-1794960000-1795219199@naccchildlaw.org
SUMMARY:Transition Age Youth Online Training Series
DESCRIPTION:Join NACC November 18-20 for its Transition Age Youth Online Training Series! This series will provide child welfare law attorneys\, judges\, and advocates guidance on how to best serve older youth as they transition out of foster care systems. \nThe online training sessions will cover federal and state legal developments\, fighting discriminatory practices and the school-to-prison pipeline\, collaborating to better advocate for youth involved in multiple systems\, strategies and tools to demand accountability on clients’ behalf\, and other topics. More details below. We hope you’ll register and join us! \nWednesday\, November 18 \n12:00–1:30pm ET – The Legal Landscape for Transition-Age Youth: Recent Developments & Emerging Issues  \nJenny Pokempner\, JD – Youth Law Center \nThe legal landscape affecting transition-age youth continues to evolve. This session will provide an update on recent federal and state legal developments affecting older youth and young adults in foster care and transitioning from care. Jenny Pokempner will explore developments related to the Family First Prevention Services Act\, Extended Foster Care\, the Chafee Program\, and the Fostering the Future Initiative along with recent federal guidance and emerging appellate decisions. Participants will consider what these developments mean for eligibility\, services\, permanency\, and advocacy—and identify legal issues to watch as they represent and support transition-age youth.  \n3:00–4:30pm ET – “Dangerous” Behavior: How the Discriminatory Use of Threat Appraisals in Schools Fuels the School-to-Prison Pipeline \nElie Zwiebel\, JD – Student Defense Alliance\, Zwiebel & Lucas Law \nLynnie Lucas\, JD – Student Defense Alliance\, Zwiebel & Lucas Law  \nThreat appraisals are intended to avert school violence by identifying students manifesting potentially concerning behaviors without resorting to zero-tolerance policies. In reality\, they function as an extralegal means of school pushout\, particularly for students with disabilities\, whose disability-related behaviors are deemed a safety risk\, without appropriate documentation or due process. Students should receive extra protections from suspension or expulsion through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act\, but informal pushout through threat appraisals circumvents these procedures. Threat appraisal teams also often include law enforcement pushing students with disabilities into the criminal legal system. Attendees will learn how to fight against these discriminatory practices.  \nThursday\, November 19 \n12:00–1:30pm ET – One Youth\, Two Systems: Turning Collaboration into Better Outcomes for Dual-Status Youth \nHon. Geoffrey Gaither – Marion County Superior Court \nJanelle Rasmussen\, JD – Indiana Department of Child Services\n \nDual-status youth – those involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems – navigate trauma\, instability\, and fragmented support that often disrupts their path to safety and accountability. This session examines Indiana’s dual-status model\, highlighting Marion County’s specialized court and the Dual-Status Assessment Team (DSAT)\, which brings both systems together to make informed\, child-centered decisions. Participants will explore how the law was created\, how the model functions in practice\, and why it is leading to stronger\, more positive outcomes for youth. \n3:00–4:30pm ET – Navigating the Fostering Connections Act: Tools & Strategies for Cross-Agency Success by Redefining Accountability in Foster Youth Education Stability  \nAlexandria Maldonado\, MS\, Lived Experience Expert – AXM Consulting \nDespite legal mandates for educational protection\, significant achievement gaps persist for foster youth\, indicating systemic breakdowns. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 requires a case plan to ensure educational stability\, but this raises a critical question: In systems involving multiple agencies\, who is definitively responsible for creating and implementing this plan? This compelling session will address this vital issue head-on. We will explore practical strategies\, clarify roles and responsibilities across involved agencies\, and equip advocates with the tools to demand accountability.  We will redefine advocacy roles and ensure that “educational stability” becomes a lived reality rather than a bureaucratic checkbox.  \nFriday\, November 20 \n12:00–1:30pm ET – Question the Recommendation: Mental Health Advocacy for TAY Beyond Diagnosis and Placement \nGina Cabiddu\, MSW\, LSWAIC\, Lived Experience Expert \nMartin Irwin\, MD – NYU Grossman School of Medicine \nCristal Ramirez\, MS\, Lived Experience Expert \nChild welfare professionals routinely make consequential decisions based on psychiatric evaluations\, diagnoses\, and treatment recommendations\, but how do we know when those recommendations warrant closer scrutiny? This interactive session provides a framework for evaluating mental health assessments\, treatment plans\, medication recommendations\, and residential placements without requiring participants to become mental health clinicians. Participants will explore how trauma\, culture\, placement instability\, and youth engagement affect treatment outcomes; identify warning signs of ineffective or inappropriate interventions; and practice advocacy strategies that promote quality\, continuity\, and appropriate community-based care for transition age youth.\n \n3:00–4:30pm ET – The Advice Is Yours; The Decision Is Mine: Autonomy\, Advice\, and TAY Advocacy \nKristen Powell\, BS\, Lived Experience Expert – The Lost & Found Institute \nShannon Felder\, JD\, CWLS – National Association of Counsel for Children \nJosephine Vanderhorst\, MFP\, JD\, CWLS – National Association of Counsel for Children \nTransition-age youth bring their own goals\, priorities\, experiences\, and definitions of success to their legal representation. For attorneys\, honoring that autonomy while providing meaningful legal advice can present unique challenges—particularly when a young client’s choices differ from the attorney’s recommendations or when the attorney has concerns about potential consequences. In this moderated conversation\, attorneys will hear directly from people with lived experience about what it means to feel heard\, respected\, and supported by an attorney while making consequential decisions. We will explore the difference between advising and directing\, how attorneys can communicate risks and options without taking over decision-making\, and what effective client-centered advocacy looks like from the client’s perspective. Participants will leave with practical strategies for navigating disagreement\, supporting informed decision-making\, and maintaining an attorney-client relationship grounded in trust and respect. \nCLE Information\nNACC has received CLE accreditation in California and is seeking CLE accreditation in Colorado for live and on-demand participation. All participants should fill out an attendance form after each session. NACC will report credits on behalf of attorneys in California based on these attendance forms verified against Zoom participation records. Colorado is a self-report state. \nCalifornia (60-minute hour) \nThis participatory activity has been accredited by the State Bar of California for a maximum of 9 hours of General credit for live and on-demand participation. Credits will be reported within 60 days of participation. \nColorado (50‐minute hour) \nThis course is pending accreditation by the Colorado Board of Continuing Legal and Judicial Education for a maximum of 10.8 units of General credit for live and on-demand participation. Colorado is a self-report state. \nAttorneys in all other jurisdictions must seek CLE accreditation individually if desired. \nContact CLE@NACCchildlaw.org with questions.
URL:https://naccchildlaw.org/event/transition-age-youth-online-training-series/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Trainings
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