Court Improvement Program Cafe' - Guardianship 101

GATHER. LEARN. COLLABORATE.

^____       Hosted by the Court Improvement Program of the Louisiana Supreme Court       ^____

Guardianship 101:

An Introduction to Legal Guardianship in Child in Need of Care Cases

Legal guardianship is a status that can be authorized by a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction in a Child in Need of Care (CINC) case. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, 42 U.S.C. § 671 et seq., promotes the use of guardianships to increase permanency for children in foster care. Yet, legal guardianship appears to be underutilized in Louisiana CINC cases. During this presentation, the speakers will provide an overview of legal guardianship, detail the guardianship provisions set forth in the Louisiana Children’s Code, and discuss examples of when to consider guardianship in a CINC case.

Speakers:

• Curtis Nelson, J.D., Deputy Judicial Administrator, Division of Children and Families, Louisiana Supreme Court
• Judge Ernestine Gray, Ret., Fellow, Pelican Center for Children and Families
• Rodney Hastings, J.D., Staff Attorney, Child Advocacy Program Mental Health Advocacy Service

Agenda:

12:00 – 12:15pm        Overview of Legal Guardianship in a Child in Need of Care Case

12:15 – 12:35pm        Guardianship Requirements in the Louisiana Children’s Code

12:35 – 12:50pm        Considerations and Examples

12:50 – 1:00pm          Questions and Answers

Objectives:

• Understand the purpose of legal guardianship in a Child in Need of Care (CINC) case.
• Appreciate that legal guardianship is a distinct legal arrangement from legal custody.
• Identify the legal requirements for a court-ordered guardianship in a CINC case.
• Access the Guide to Legal Guardianship in Child in Need of Care Cases in Louisiana.

Virtual CLE/CEU - APPROVED One hour CLE/CEU - General

Thursday, June 16   | 12:00pm-1:00pm