Ø      Various Trainings (CLE credit available)

Ø      The Florida Guardian ad Litem program offers several trainings on line in both audio and video formats.  Topics include: ICWA, Master Trust, Independent Living, Depositions, Case Law Research, Ethics, and many others.  These trainings are approved by the Florida Bar for CLE credits for attorneys. Each training session is one hour long.

Ø      Visit the host site for additional information:  www.guardianadlitem.org

 

Ø      Fostering Independence Training. 

Ø      This group of training sessions was developed by the Florida Guardian ad Litem program for Pro Bono attorneys interested in volunteering with the FAL program.  These on line training formats include video and PowerPoint presentations. The trainings give an overview to various topics such as Introduction to Ch 39, Educational Advocacy, Ethics, and others.  Sessions include documents that can be downloaded and/or links to additional information.

Ø      Visit the host site for additional information:  www.guardianadlitem.org

 

Ø      Child Sexual Abuse: A Judicial Perspective - Judge Charles B. Schudson

Ø      Judge Charles B. Schudson discusses the history of children in America's courts and the potential for making courts safe for children.  Exploring the law of competency and hearsay, he addresses whether children may testify, and whether professionals and others may testify about what children told them.  He also considers puppets, support persons, video depositions, closed-circuit TV, and other techniques that can help children participate in court proceedings.  Finally, Judge Schudson addresses the special challenges to professionals as they attempt to cope with the impact of their work on their own friends and families.

Ø      Visit the host site for additional information:  www.nationalcac.org

 

Ø      Opening Statements and Closing Arguments in Child Sexual Abuse Cases - Jeffrey Brickman, JD

Ø      Child sexual abuse cases are won and lost during opening statements and closing arguments.  This workshop will explain how to deliver effective and convincing opening statements as well as compelling and passionate closing arguments.  Attendees will learn practical tips that can be used in every child sexual abuse case.

Ø      Visit the host site for additional information:  www.nationalcac.org

 

Ø      Providing Expert Testimony in Child Sexual Abuse Cases - Laura Rogers, JD

Ø      This lecture will address: the laws governing the use and admissibility of expert testimony and hearsay by an expert witness. Participants will become familiar with the purpose, focus and structure of direct examination.

Ø      Visit the host site for additional information:  www.nationalcac.org

 

Ø      Trial Strategies in Child Protection Cases - Victor Vieth

Ø      In this workshop, attendees will learn effective trial strategies in a case of child abuse including creative pre-trial motions that may assist a child in testifying.  The bulk of the workshop will focus on cross-examination skills that can be used on defendants who testify as well as other defense witnesses.  Finally, attendees will learn arguments that can be advanced in most cases of child abuse in support of the veracity of a child abuse victim.

Ø      Visit the host site for additional information:  www.nationalcac.org

 

Ø      Understanding Child Welfare Families Affected by Substance Abuse for Judicial Officers and Attorneys in the Dependency System

Ø      The foremost concern of a dependency court judge is the safety and welfare of the child, the rapidly moving developmental timetable of the young child, and the need to make a legal determination as quickly as possible as to whether a child can return to his/her family or whether parental rights need to be terminated so the child can be placed for adoption. If a parent is in substance abuse treatment, it is important that the judge know if that treatment is working, and whether the periods of sobriety and stability are sufficient to allow the child to return to the parent. To make informed decisions about custody in these situations, it is important that the judge understand substance abuse treatment and recovery. In addition, various attorney groups play a critical role in this process, and we understand that they often need core information about both substance abuse issues and the child welfare system. This tutorial will provide a primer on alcohol and drug addiction, substance abuse treatment and recovery, the impact on children and families, child welfare timetables and their impact on parenting, cross-system communication and collaboration, as well as provide contact information for other national resources. You must register in order to access the training; registration is free.

Ø      Visit the host site for additional information:  http://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov