March 2011

Cover Story

Housing Resources for Families at Risk of Separation By Betsy Gwin

Identifying families who are homeless or facing housing problems can prevent family separation. Working with local housing providers to secure homes for these families can keep them together. Learn how.

Feature Stories

Foster Children Eligible for Free School Meals

By Howard A. Davidson

First Lady Michele Obama powerfully advocated for Congress to pass a new child nutrition law before it adjourned late last year. Thanks to her efforts, foster and kinship care children may now receive access to free nutritional food at school.

Supporting Youth Who Are Aging Out of Foster Care

By Miriam Aroni Krinsky, Theo Liebmann

55 policy and practice recommendations offer guidance on supporting the 30,000-plus older youth who exit state and local foster care systems each year.

Ethical Consideration: Model Rule 3.7 Attorney As Witness

By Candice L. Maze, Jennifer L. Renne

You're asked to give testimony about your child client's well-being at the permanency hearing. How do you proceed without acting as a witness and an advocate in the same case?

Case Law Update

Immigrant Mother’s Parental Rights Terminated Without Full Investigation
Mother’s Bipolar Disorder Placed Newborn at Risk
Mother’s mental illness placed her newborn child at imminent risk of harm due to concerns about mother’s ability to take her own medication and administer her son’s medication on a strict schedule.