This is a cool video that Pam Warren shared with me. Check it out!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
February Advanced Training 2/24 Notes
Thanks to everyone for coming to the training last week. We had a great turn out, which made me really happy because the info at the training was REALLY HELPFUL! It wasn't working out for me to do a video of the training like I had planned (maybe next time), but I did try to take as many notes as possible. If you weren't able to come, please take the time to read through this information.
Peer Parent's Role in Court/ Child Welfare Law- Alan Sevison, Assistant Attorney General
Questions you could be asked as part of a trial (so you should be prepared to at least answer these types of questions if you are subpoenaed for a trial):
-How were you assigned to the case? (describe process)
-Are you a parent yourself? (not relevant, but they could ask you this- be honest)
-What are your credentials?
-What training have you had?
-How long have you been a peer parent? What other experience do you have in this industry?
-Have you ever testified on behalf of a client? (as a witness for the defense, not for DCFS)
-What are the deficiencies in the parents' skills?
-When did peer parenting start? How long did you work together? When did it end?
-What is the nature of the curriculum?
-Was any part of peer parenting successful? Was any part unsuccessful?
-What is your opinion on their ability to parent their children?
General Tips in Court:
-Adapt an attitude of neutrality or objectivity. State facts and do not appear to be on either side. -Your role is not to advocate for a certain side (such as whether or not the parents should get their children back).
-It is usually best to bring notes such as your documentation, a timeline of your meeting together or any other items that have specifics to which you can refer. Talk to the AAG about how they feel about you bringing notes. Alan encourages you to bring as much as you will need.
-If another attorney asks for anything from you (such as copies of your reports), talk to the AAG about it and they can release it to them. They may not be privy to certain information (such as information about the referent on a case) and the AAGs office would need to take that info out.
-For regular review hearings (which is what most of your will attend during a case), you should come expecting to speak and present update on the case (not evidence, but information).
-During court, if someone asks you a question you don't know (meaning you don't have direct knowledge of), you can say "I don't know."
-Court Room Etiquette: You should sit in the benches. Do not raise your hand, roll your eyes, or make side comments. If you have something you want to say, get up and talk to the caseworker or the AAG and they will decide if it should be brought up (this isn't up to you).
Skills Training: Discipline- Shane Christensen
Shane gave us a great training on discipline. He started out by handing us the following crossword puzzle, but without the words at the bottom:
Discipline Crossword Puzzle
We weren't sure what we were supposed to do with it and had to ask him. The point of this exercise was to say that we need to give kids clear directions and expectations. This could be a great exercise to do with your clients. He also proved this point by giving us a nut and bolt puzzle (which Stevie ultimately figured out).
He also shared many great other points, which can be found in the following outline:
Discipline Outline
Please review this information. I personally found this training really helpful and a good reminder of what to do with my naughty three year old! :) Great job, Shane! Thanks again!
Peer Parent's Role in Court/ Child Welfare Law- Alan Sevison, Assistant Attorney General
Questions you could be asked as part of a trial (so you should be prepared to at least answer these types of questions if you are subpoenaed for a trial):
-How were you assigned to the case? (describe process)
-Are you a parent yourself? (not relevant, but they could ask you this- be honest)
-What are your credentials?
-What training have you had?
-How long have you been a peer parent? What other experience do you have in this industry?
-Have you ever testified on behalf of a client? (as a witness for the defense, not for DCFS)
-What are the deficiencies in the parents' skills?
-When did peer parenting start? How long did you work together? When did it end?
-What is the nature of the curriculum?
-Was any part of peer parenting successful? Was any part unsuccessful?
-What is your opinion on their ability to parent their children?
General Tips in Court:
-Adapt an attitude of neutrality or objectivity. State facts and do not appear to be on either side. -Your role is not to advocate for a certain side (such as whether or not the parents should get their children back).
-It is usually best to bring notes such as your documentation, a timeline of your meeting together or any other items that have specifics to which you can refer. Talk to the AAG about how they feel about you bringing notes. Alan encourages you to bring as much as you will need.
-If another attorney asks for anything from you (such as copies of your reports), talk to the AAG about it and they can release it to them. They may not be privy to certain information (such as information about the referent on a case) and the AAGs office would need to take that info out.
-For regular review hearings (which is what most of your will attend during a case), you should come expecting to speak and present update on the case (not evidence, but information).
-During court, if someone asks you a question you don't know (meaning you don't have direct knowledge of), you can say "I don't know."
-Court Room Etiquette: You should sit in the benches. Do not raise your hand, roll your eyes, or make side comments. If you have something you want to say, get up and talk to the caseworker or the AAG and they will decide if it should be brought up (this isn't up to you).
Skills Training: Discipline- Shane Christensen
Shane gave us a great training on discipline. He started out by handing us the following crossword puzzle, but without the words at the bottom:
Discipline Crossword Puzzle
We weren't sure what we were supposed to do with it and had to ask him. The point of this exercise was to say that we need to give kids clear directions and expectations. This could be a great exercise to do with your clients. He also proved this point by giving us a nut and bolt puzzle (which Stevie ultimately figured out).
He also shared many great other points, which can be found in the following outline:
Discipline Outline
Please review this information. I personally found this training really helpful and a good reminder of what to do with my naughty three year old! :) Great job, Shane! Thanks again!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)