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.
FREE to participate – virtual training – 1 hour approved for CLE and social work CEU.
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