RISE MAGAZINE

Legal Rights

A Parent’s Ally: Providing “A Bridge” for Parents in Early Legal Representation

April 29, 2020 by

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Parent advocates have an essential impactful role in providing effective legal representation to protect parents’ rights, prevent family separation and support parents involved with the child welfare system. Here, Iesha Hammons, the Parent Ally at Legal Services of New Jersey, explains how she supports parents, why she does this work, the challenges of being a Parent Ally and how she takes care of herself in the role.

Rise Magazine

‘The Challenges of the Virus Have Acted Only to Heighten an Already Urgent Need for Systemic Change’

April 29, 2020 by

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The coronavirus shutdown is putting stress on families and is negatively impacting families with child welfare involvement: Courts are closed, hearings are delayed and in-person visits and services are canceled. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Children’s Bureau has issued guidance to child welfare agencies.
 
Here, Jerry Milner, the Associate Commissioner of the U.S. Children’s Bureau, and David Kelly, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, explain parents’ rights and protections during the pandemic. They also discuss their guidance to child welfare agencies and courts and their vision for child welfare reform.

Rise Magazine

Making the Most of Virtual Visits in a Time of Separation and Uncertainty

April 22, 2020 by

Since the COVID-19 shutdown began, my emotions have flip-flopped between anger at the system, understanding for the safety of my children, and sadness in not seeing them, holding them, playing with them and reading to them. I feel a sense of helplessness knowing that, right now, their well-being is absolutely out of my control. I hope that soon this nightmare will end.

Legal Rights

How Early Legal Representation Can Protect Families

April 16, 2020 by

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NYC parents at risk of child protective involvement or facing an investigation can now access legal representation through family defense organizations in their communities. In October, NYC’s City Council also introduced a bill t would ensure that all parents being investigated by ACS have information about how to access a lawyer and the opportunity to do so, although it hasn’t yet passed. Here, Emma Ketteringham, managing director of The Bronx Defenders’ Family Defense Project, explains the importance of early legal representation and systemic reform to reduce child welfare involvement. The Bronx Defenders has been providing early legal representation to parents facing ACS investigations for 15 years.

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Learn About the Rise & Shine Parent Leadership Program and Apply for 2024!

Learn more about the Rise & Shine Parent Leadership Program and how to apply! Sign up for an open house information session.

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