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!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
February Advanced Training 2/24
We will be having our February Advanced Training next Thursday, Feb 24 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the PROVO DCFS office (150 E Center St 5th floor) in the main conference rooms. This will be an EXCELLENT training on the peer parent's role in court. Alan Sevison, Assistant Attorney General, will be presenting to us. This is one training that I would love as many people as to attend. If you cannot attend, you will be responsible for the material presented (which I will post afterwards).
As always, we will be doing a pot luck dinner if you would like to bring something to share.
Please RSVP for the training at the right! See you all there!
As always, we will be doing a pot luck dinner if you would like to bring something to share.
Please RSVP for the training at the right! See you all there!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Feeding Tube Info
Susan sent me some great info on Feeding Tubes that could be really helpful for those of you with clients who have children using them. Click here for the info. Also, it will always be at the right column under resources.
Thanks, Susan!
(If you ever have any info, you think would be helpful for other peer parents send it to me!)
Thanks, Susan!
(If you ever have any info, you think would be helpful for other peer parents send it to me!)
New Skills Checklist
The Skills Checklist has been changed to match the chapters in the STEPS book exactly. Recreation was taken off the Skills Checklist. Please use the new form (found by clicking here or at the link at the right). Thanks!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
December Advanced Training/ Christmas Party Was a Hit!
We had a great time at our party last week! Thanks to those who came and we missed those who couldn't be there. We did more partying (well, eating) than training. We had a lot of fun playing Peer Parent Jeopardy. Overall, it was a great night!
On another note, I just want to thank you all for the great work that you do with our clients. It is pleasure to work with all of you. I know you don't get a lot of compensation for the work that you do, but I hope you know what a difference you are making! You all are so wonderful and I hope you have a WONDERFUL holiday!
See you next year! :)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
December Advanced Training/ Christmas Party!
It is time for our December Advanced Training/ Christmas Party!!! I have scheduled it for Thursday December 16 from 5:30-7:30 in the Spanish Fork DCFS office.I am still working out alot of the details (stupid budget stuff), but I promise it will be fun and informative! I will send out more details as I have them.
So, make sure to save the date and RSVP (poll at the right) so I can have a rough idea of who will be in attendance.
Yeah for parties!!! (PS- This is not my baby, just a random google baby. But isn't he cute?)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)