Testifying in Court for Non-Lawyers (Child Protective Proceedings)

Testifying in Court for Non-Lawyers (Child Protective Proceedings)

Host: State Court Administrative Office - Child Welfare Services

Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Venue: McCamly Plaza Hotel

Location: Battle Creek, Michigan

Street Address: 50 Capital Avenue, SW, Battle Creek, MI 49017

Target Audience: This training is intended for child protective services, foster care, and adoption caseworkers. Tribes, service providers, and other child welfare professionals who testify in court may also benefit from attending.

Training Description: This full-day training will feature the components of witness testimony and courtroom hearing procedures. Group discussion and mock trial practice exercises will help caseworkers develop and expand their courtroom presentations and improve their ability to effectively testify in court. The training will focus on the roles and responsibilities of adoption, foster care, and protective services workers as they relate to child protective proceedings and provide information to navigate the court system. In addition, the training will explain the importance of being prepared and how preparedness improves courtroom performance. The speaker will discuss the do’s and don’ts of testifying in court, including courtroom demeanor and the substantive elements of effective testimony.

Speaker:

• M. Anthony Flores, Professor, Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

• Julie Sisson, Attorney, Sisson Legal PLC

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 Court 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 at the McCamly Plaza Hotel in Battle Creek, MI. 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 (888) 622-2659. The room block will close on Sunday, June 10, 2018 or when the block is full. When and if you need to make a reservation, please reference the group name “State Court Administrative Office”.

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 a maximum of 5.5 CE units by the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. To obtain CE units, you must be a licensed social worker and must complete and submit a CE attendance verification form. This form will be provided to licensed social workers at the training. To receive full credit you must be seated in the training room for the entire program. 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 will be generously provided to participants within State of Michigan meal rates. Due to grant restrictions, we are unable to provide breakfast or snacks. Additional meals and snacks are the responsibility of the participant. If you require a vegetarian meal or have severe food allergies, please contact Kate McPherson at McphersonK@courts.mi.gov or 517-373-5322.

What meeting room will the training be in?
The training will be held in the Branson Ballroom.