Sponsors:	Family Defense Center Illinois Legal Aid Online
Date:	Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Time:	12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Location:	Jenner & Block 353 North Clark St. Chicago, IL
Speakers:	Diane L. Redleaf, Executive Director Melissa L. Staas, Staff Attorney Allegra Cira Fischer, Staff Attorney

This training will focus on how to handle administrative hearings involving parents and child care professionals who have been wrongfully "indicated" for neglect or abuse by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

These administrative hearings are the first neutral review of investigators’ findings against families. Training topics will include an overview of the DCFS Administrative Hearings Unit, a review of the appeals process, and answers to common questions, including timing, discovery, witnesses, evidentiary and due process issues, and expectations for attorneys handling referred cases.

WHY THESE CASES MATTER TO YOU:

• The last time outcomes were analyzed (in the FDC’s federal class action suit), approximately 75% of appealed cases were overturned. Many of the cases the Family Defense Center handles involve wrongly accused parents and professionals.
• They are a great opportunity for litigation experience!
• They are time limited—once an individual appeals, the hearing and decision take place within 35-90 days.
• They provide an opportunity to influence public policy, especially on due process issues.

WHY THESE CASES MATTER TO CLIENTS:

• An indicated finding may mean the loss of custody of children; restricted visitation with children; the inability to adopt children; and limitations on career choices.
• If the indicated person cares for or provides services to children, including teachers and social workers, there is a real and significant risk the person may lose their job and even their career.

 

 

Attachments

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File Name	Type	Size
Fall 2010 Training Announcement1.pdf	PDF	111.5KB

Last Updated: 12/03/2010