Petition Drafting and Testifying in Court for Child Welfare Professionals

Target Audience:
This training is intended for DHHS Child Protective Services and Foster Care workers, private agencies, tribes, and service providers who may testify in court in child protective proceedings.

Background and Purpose:
The morning portion of this full-day training will feature the do’s and don’ts of testifying in court, including courtroom demeanor and the substantive elements of effective testimony. Participants will learn about the importance of being prepared and how preparedness improves courtroom performance. The afternoon session will focus on the ongoing effort to improve the skills of caseworkers who draft petitions for jurisdiction or termination of parental rights in child protective proceedings. During the training, participants will review good writing principles and practice skills through drafting exercises.

Speakers:
M. Anthony Flores, Professor, Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Joe Kozakiewicz, J.D., L.M.S.W., Director, MSU Chance at Childhood Program
James Novell, Program Manager, Foster Care Review Board, State Court Administrative Office

FAQs

Is registration required?
Yes. Registration is required and on-site registration is not available. Please do not register to attend this training unless you have scheduling flexibility and have received the necessary authorization to attend. Excessive nonattendance without prior cancellation will result in limited access to future CWS training events.

Who should I contact with questions?
For general assistance, please contact Kate McPherson, SCAO-CWS Administrative Assistant, at McphersonK@courts.mi.gov or 517-373-5322. For questions regarding the training content, please contact Elizabeth Henderson, SCAO-CWS Management Analyst, at HendersonE@courts.mi.gov or 517-373­-2621.

Can I update my registration information?
Yes. You can update your information (name, email, answers, etc.). Click on the following link for a step by step tutorial: http://help.eventbrite.com/customer/en_us/portal/articles/430100-how-to-update-your-ticket-registration-information

Do I have to print and bring my registration confirmation to the event?
No. There will be a sign in sheet at the SCAO-CWS registration desk outside of the meeting room.

The name on the registration doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?
No. Please use the attendee's name only.

I need an overnight guest room at the hotel.
The State Court Administrative Office has a limited block of discounted guest rooms. Travel and lodging expenses are the responsibility of the participant. All reservations must be made by the participant through the Hotel’s Reservation Department at 269-375-6000. The room block is block will close on December 13, 2015 or when the block is full. When and if you need to make a reservation, please reference the group name “State Court Administrative Office – Child Welfare Services”.

When do I receive a Certificate of Attendance?
All attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance via email within one week of the training. The certificates are for proof of attendance and tracking of participation hours.

Does this training offer Continued Education Units for licensed social workers?
This course is approved for 5.0 CE units by the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. To obtain CEs, you must be a licensed social worker and must complete and submit a CE attendance verification form. Verfication forms will be provided at the training. SCAO-CWS staff must sign your form before and after the training to verify your attendance. To receive full credit, you must be seated in the room at 9:30 a.m. and you must attend the entire training. There are no exceptions to these requirements.

What attire do you recommend?
Room temperature can fluctuate throughout the day. Please plan accordingly and dress in layers.

Is food provided?
Lunch and coffee will be provided to participants; however, due to grant restrictions, we are unable to provide breakfast or snacks. Additional meals and snacks are the responsibility of the participant.

What meeting room will the training be in?
The training will be held in the Michigan and Superior meeting rooms.