2019 Spring National Conferences

How Adolescent Brain Science Supports Youth Engagement in Court Hearings and Case Planning

By ABA Youth Engagement Project

Guidance for attorneys and child welfare professionals on using the latest adolescent brain science to engage youth in the child welfare system in their case plans and court hearings.

Influencing and Challenging Judges and Their Decisions in Child Welfare Cases

By Andrew Cohen

Although judges have the power to control almost every aspect of a dependency case, counsel for parents and children can influence that power to their clients’ benefit. To influence judges, counsel must understand the nature and limits of judicial authority. And when judges exceed those limits, counsel must know what actions to take to protect their clients’ rights and interests.

Effective Strategies for Courtroom Advocacy on Drug Use and Parenting

By Dr. Ron Abrahams and Nancy Rosenbloom

An overview of harm reduction approaches for pregnant and parenting mothers accused of child neglect or abuse related to drug or alcohol use and advocacy strategies.

Supporting Cultural Identity for Children in Foster Care

By Ariella Hope Stafanson

Strong cultural identity contributes to mental health resilience, higher levels of social well-being, and improved coping skills, among other benefits. Child welfare practitioners must examine how they can best support strong cultural identity in foster youth.

Global Initiatives

Race and Poverty Bias in the Child Welfare System: Strategies for Child Welfare Practitioners

By Krista Ellis

A guide for child law practitioners on understanding and addressing race and poverty bias in the child welfare system.