The Children's Law Podcast

True North Child Advocates
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The Children's Law Podcast

Welcome to the Children’s Law Podcast brought to you by True North Child Advocates. Our goal is to empower children’s lawyers to help abused and neglected children get home faster. Listen as we discuss practical tips, our unique permanency-focused practice philosophy, and topics of interest for any child welfare professional working to improve outcomes for kids.

  1. 12/30/2024

    Safe Havens for LGBQ+ and TNGD Youth

    In 2017, the Safe Havens report was published to "Close the Gap Between Recommended Practice and Reality for Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth in Out-of-Home Care." The report has been updated to reflect current research and resources for LGBQ+ and transgender, nonbinary, gender diverse (TNGD) youth, along with giving lived experience perspectives and a call to action. In this episode, Angela talks to two of the contributors, Elliott Hinkle of Unicorn Solutions and Emilio Valladolid, both with lived experience in the child welfare system.  The Safe Havens II Report can be used as both a legal and practical resource. The podcast discussion highlighted a few:  Glossary by Center for the Study of Social Policy: https://cssp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Key-Equity-Terms-and-Concepts-vol1.pdf  Centerlink LGBTQ Center Association: https://www.lgbtqcenters.org/LGBTCenters  Trevor Project for mental health: https://www.thetrevorproject.org The report will provide attorneys of all levels of experience with tools for their cases and a greater understanding of TNGD and LGBQ+ clients - check it out: https://lambdalegal.org/safe-havens-report/safe-havens-full-report/.

    29 min

  2. 11/07/2024

    Cookie-Cutter Case Plans

    Ever come across a case plan packed with tasks that have little to do with a family's actual challenges? What is the child's attorney's role? Angela and Jim dive into this topic, discussing how children's attorneys can influence case planning. They explore the gap between ideal practices and what is happening on the ground, and share how a child's attorney can take a proactive role to benefit their clients.

    22 min

  3. 10/25/2024

    Every Seven Minutes

    That's the rate at which infants and toddlers are being removed from their homes in the U.S. according to new research from Zero to Three, and this age group makes up nearly 50% of the foster care population. What should children's attorneys know when advocating for this population? Angela interviewed Shannon Felder, Training Director from the NACC to get some practical advice and a preview of NACC's upcoming Infants and Toddlers series. Some of the issues discussed included: Are sibling bonds among infants and toddlers being discounted because they haven't had time to solidify yet? What does "compassionate advocacy" look like in the context of children 0-5? For attorneys representing these children, does secondary trauma hit differently? Child welfare research is always evolving, so for attorneys who want to learn more the NACC is offering a four-part training begins October 30. Click here for details and to register.

    26 min

  4. 09/30/2024

    When You Can't Show Them the Money

    In this episode we're talking about staying in the profession, with ideas for both individual attorneys and organizations. The reality is there isn't always money available to retain employees in this field, even if they love it. Angela, Jim, and Deborah (a new voice) discuss strategies they've used and new ideas from their facilitated discussion at the National Association of Counsel for Children conference.

    23 min

  5. 08/26/2024

    Love 'em or Lose 'em: Keeping Lawyers in the Field

    In this episode Angela interviews Jonathan Budd, Associate Executive Director from KidsVoice in Pittsburgh about strategies KidsVoice uses to retain lawyers. Jonathan says if he had to emphasize two things they would be flexibility and time off - things people can control regardless of how much money they have or how much fundraising ability exists.

    38 min

  6. 07/08/2024

    NACC: New Tools to Elevate Your Practice

    In this episode, Angela talks with Shannon Felder, Training Director at the National Association of Counsel for Children. Listen to learn about upcoming training opportunities and ways to connect with fellow children's lawyers. And be sure to join us at the NACC conference in Salt Lake City August 12-14, 2024! We will be presenting at the preconference Children's Law Office Project Convening. We hope to see you there!  Click HERE to register To learn more about NACC membership or to join, click HERE.

    21 min

  7. 05/24/2024

    Objection! No One is Leading.

    Have you ever seen a dependency case that looks more like a tennis match? The parties volleying back and forth, waiting to see if the parents will succeed? In some jurisdictions, everyone is doing their job, but no one is leading. In this episode, we want to encourage children's attorneys to take charge. We think one of the most consequential things you can do for your clients is to think of yourself as lead counsel. Listen to learn how you can boldly step into the role of lead counsel and achieve better outcomes for your clients.

    18 min

  8. 04/23/2024

    Let's Talk Adoption

    Some of our child clients have been talking to John and Jim about adoption, which inspired an episode about how we think of adoption as children's attorneys: It's important to understand all the things that come with and all the things that get taken away with adoption. Federal policies and local practices seem to swing on a pendulum as to whether adoption is to be emphasized or strenuously avoided, but we focus on finding the best possible option for each singular client and keep it in our tool belts. One way we think of the issue is that adoption is about the risk of harm from the continued pursuit of reunification versus the risk of harm due to the loss of their birth family. As a child's attorney, knowing your client and the dynamics affecting them will help you recognize when adoption might be the best strategy for the child. Thanks for listening and please share with others who might find the podcast helpful!

    14 min
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4.8
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About

Welcome to the Children’s Law Podcast brought to you by True North Child Advocates. Our goal is to empower children’s lawyers to help abused and neglected children get home faster. Listen as we discuss practical tips, our unique permanency-focused practice philosophy, and topics of interest for any child welfare professional working to improve outcomes for kids.

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