Quality Legal Representation
High-quality legal representation for parents and children in child welfare proceedings has many benefits, including increased parental engagement, more frequent visitation, and better access to services. Most importantly, quality legal representation for families has been shown to reduce the length of time children must spend in foster care — and in some cases, prevent family…
Active Efforts in ICWA Cases During the Pandemic
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases are being severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic: courts are delaying time sensitive hearings, tribal family’s visits are being disrupted or canceled altogether, and case plan services are being put on hold. This raises concerns of whether active efforts tribal families need in order to reunite with their children…
Webinar: Multidisciplinary Legal Representation and its Positive Impact on Reunifications
Please join the ABA Center on Children and the Law for a free webinar on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 12:30 – 2:00 PM EST. The webinar explores how high-quality legal representation for parents and family reunification. Download the flyer to learn how to register.
During Coronavirus, High-Quality Legal Representation Can Be a Lifesaver for Families
FJI leaders describe how high-quality legal representation for parents and children helps families reunify during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Family Justice Talks
Family Justice Talks (CIP Talks) are short video speeches by leading legal and child welfare experts highlighting how the legal community can work with partners to better serve vulnerable families and improve child welfare outcomes. The Family Justice Talks were produced by the Capacity Building Center for Courts in collaboration with the Children’s Bureau and…
Interdisciplinary Parent Representation: Bringing Hope to Families During the Pandemic and Beyond.
FJI Executive Team member Mimi Laver moderated a webinar focused on high-quality interdisciplinary legal representation for parents in child welfare proceedings. Speakers shared information and inspiration for those on the front lines of working with families. You can view the webinar here.
In Child Welfare Cases, Just Any Old Lawyer Won’t Do
“This pandemic has provided a long-overdue jolt to our system. This jolt gives us the chance to re-examine our broken system and to reimagine how we can better support families. Strong legal representation by institutional providers is a first step.” Read the full article here.
Breaking News: Child Welfare Policy Manual updated to clarify use of federal funds
Child Welfare Policy Manual updated to clarify that federal funds may be used to support administrative costs of paralegals, investigators, peer partners or social workers that support parents’ and children’s attorneys. See Child Welfare Policy Manual, Section 8.1B, Question 32.
How Can Civil Legal Aid Help Keep Families Together and Kids Out of Foster Care?
By Karlee M. Naylon, research associate, and Karen A. Lash, practitioner in residence, American University, Department of Justice, Law, and Criminology, The Justice in Government Project Read article here.