The Children's Law Podcast

By True North Child Advocates

What's The Children's Law Podcast about?

Welcome to the Children’s Law Podcast brought to you by True North Child Advocates. Our goal is to empower children’s lawyers to help abused and neglected children get home faster. Listen as we discuss practical tips, our unique permanency-focused practice philosophy, and topics of interest for any child welfare professional working to improve outcomes for kids.

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The Children's Law Podcast episodes:

05.24.2024
Objection! No One is Leading.
Have you ever seen a dependency case that looks more like a tennis match? The parties volleying back and forth, waiting to see if the parents will succeed? In some jurisdictions, everyone is doing their job, but no one is...
04.23.2024
Let's Talk Adoption
Some of our child clients have been talking to John and Jim about adoption, which inspired an episode about how we think of adoption as children's attorneys: It's important to understand all the things that come with and all the things...
03.22.2024
Placement Considerations for Children's Attorneys
Placement decisions happen fast and are made by the agency - usually without any input from attorneys representing children. The child's placement impacts the case A LOT so we wanted to do a podcast about the things we think about...
02.02.2024
Can Singing in the Car Make You a Better Children's Lawyer?
We talk about work culture and retention a lot in child welfare. Angela talks with Cathy Krebs, Director of the ABA's Children’s Rights Litigation Committee who thinks a new approach to these topics could lead to ways to improve representation....
01.09.2024
Takeaways from 2023
In this episode, Angela, John and Jim discuss a few key takeaways from 2023.
11.21.2023
Messaging to Win Hearts and Minds
Sometimes you can move a case with legal arguments and procedural tools, but other times, you have to win hearts and minds. In our newest podcast, Jim, John and Angela share how learning to message in this way can help...
11.01.2023
Collaborative or Adversarial?
Angela and Jim discuss the adversarial nature of the dependency system, and how to find a balance between a collaborative and adversarial approach to representing children.
10.11.2023
Three Powerful Practices
Children's attorneys can't do it all, but in our experience, doing certain things consistently in each case can improve representation and outcomes. We call it practicing with fidelity. For our 50th Episode we wanted to give some concrete tips to our...
09.13.2023
Motion to Compel
John and Angela discuss a tool that can be used to move cases forward - the motion to compel.
09.05.2023
One Legal Problem
In this episode, John, Jim and Angela discuss the cornerstone of their practice philosophy - keeping the focus on the child's number one legal problem.
07.20.2023
How Can We Challenge Our Assumptions?
What information or opportunities do child welfare practitioners miss if assumptions are made based on a child’s race, cultural background, family history, or zip code? Angela interviews Phyllis Stricklan, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Children’s Law Center...
06.20.2023
Homelessness and Child Welfare: A Conversation with David Ambroz
In this episode, sponsored by the National Association of Counsel for Children, Angela interviews David Ambroz, author of the memoir “A Place Called Home” and keynote speaker at the upcoming NACC Conference in Minneapolis. After growing up homeless and then...
06.09.2023
When Things Go Sideways
In this episode, Angela, John and Jim talk about how to handle those difficult cases where you get what you asked for, but it doesn't go as planned.
05.12.2023
Planning for Success, Not Survival
In this episode, Jim and Angela discuss using case plans to ensure the state agency is preparing your teen client for successful adulthood, rather than just meeting federal requirements for youth aging out of the child welfare system.
05.04.2023
When Your Client is a Survivor of Sex Trafficking
This interview starts with Prof. Emma Hetherington explaining why she thinks a huge barrier to effectively serving HT/CSEC populations is that stakeholders don't fully understand what trafficking is. In this powerful podcast, Prof. Hetherington, from the Wilbanks Child Endangerment and...
03.29.2023
What's Next for Your Teen Client?
In this episode, Angela, John and Jim talk about understanding your teen client, helping them set goals for their future, some ways to help them stay on track, and navigating the ups and downs when representing older youth.
02.13.2023
Finding Permanency for Older Youth
If you're representing older youth, the issues may look the same, but the perspective is likely different. We recorded this podcast to help attorneys understand how the experiences of older children impact permanency and how to move forward. We've got...
12.31.2022
Resolutions for the New Year
In this episode, John and Angela offer three ideas for your New Year's Resolutions.
09.14.2022
NACC: More Ways to Connect
In this episode we talk with Kristen Pisani-Jacques, the NACC's training director. We reflect on some themes from the 2022 conference in Baltimore and highlight what is coming in the online conference. The NACC Online Conference is September 21-23, 2022,...
07.25.2022
Effects of Policing on Children of Color: A Conversation with Prof. Kristin Henning
This episode is sponsored by the National Association of Counsel for Children. Join us at the NACC annual conference in Baltimore, August 22-24, 2022. The theme is Bridging Theory to Practice: Learning and Unlearning to Drive Effective Advocacy. We hope...
06.28.2022
The Arriving Exercise
This episode is a companion to Trauma and the Children's Lawyer. The arriving exercise is something you can use when you are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed. It can help you to regulate yourself so you are prepared to meet...
06.28.2022
Trauma and the Children's Lawyer
This episode was developed in partnership with the National Association of Counsel for Children. Join us at the NACC's national conference in Baltimore August 22-24, 2022! Click HERE to learn more and register! In this episode we interview two of the...
03.02.2022
Why We're Really Here: NACC's Cristal Ramirez on Youth Engagement
In this episode, Angela talks with Cristal Ramirez, the Youth Engagement Manager at the National Association of Counsel for Children. You won't want to miss this one! Her insights on youth engagement are valuable for everyday practice and systems work. For...
09.28.2021
A New Child Welfare System: A Conversation with Public Knowledge
In this episode, Angela talks with Stacey Obrecht, President of Public Knowledge, and David Kelly, Director of the Family Integrity & Justice Works at Public Knowledge. Listen to learn about their work and plans to replace the child welfare system...
07.13.2021
Your Role in Promoting Race Equity
You won't want to miss this episode on race equity with Stephanie S. Franklin, Esq. and Kristen Pisani-Jacques, Training Director at the National Association of Counsel for Children. Stephanie Franklin is the President & CEO of the Franklin Law Group,...
05.25.2021
The NACC: Five Things You Need to Know
In this episode, Angela and Jim talk with Kristen Pisani-Jacques, Training Director for the National Association of Counsel for Children. They discuss 5 issues facing children's lawyers today, and resources available from the NACC. Even if you are a member,...
03.23.2021
The Basics of Working with Mental Health Providers
In this episode, Angela, John & Jim talk with Dr. Rebecca Parnell about working with different types of mental health providers. For more on Dr. Parnell, click here.
01.07.2021
Takeaways from 2020
In this episode, Angela and John discuss some of the important lessons we learned in 2020, and how children's lawyers can carry these lessons forward to benefit children and families.
10.19.2020
How to Sleep at Night
In this episode, Angela, John and Jim discuss strategies to help children's lawyers sleep at night. These strategies focus on keeping children safe, and helping lawyers avoid burnout.
09.17.2020
Domestic Violence: A Few Powerful Strategies
In this episode, Angela, John and Jim discuss some of the risks to children in domestic violence cases. They also share a few interesting strategies you can use the next time you see one of these cases.
08.19.2020
Racism in Child Welfare: A Conversation with Dr. Jessica Pryce
In this episode, Angela, John & Jim talk with Dr. Jessica Pryce about racism and the child welfare system. Dr. Pryce is the Director of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare at the Florida State University College of Social Work....
07.08.2020
A Book, a Movie and a Life Tip
In this episode, Angela, John and Jim discuss a few books, shows and life tips that are relevant to children's lawyers and the child welfare profession. We would love to hear from you! Send your feedback or suggestions to [email protected].
05.26.2020
Severe Abuse and the Pandemic
In this episode, John, Jim and Angela discuss one of the most difficult types of cases lawyers face - when a client has been severely injured. With everything we are facing today, why would we take this issue on? Unfortunately,...
04.29.2020
Is There a Silver Lining?
In this episode, Angela, John and Jim talk about positive developments that are occurring during the pandemic. They may be few and far between, but we are discussing them so you can focus on something positive! Share good practices with us...
04.20.2020
Advocacy During the Pandemic: Time to Plan
In this episode, John, Jim and Angela discuss legal strategies and practices to move your cases forward. While access to courts varies greatly around the country, there are plenty of ways you can help your clients. We are planning to...
04.13.2020
Advocacy During the Pandemic
In this episode, Angela and John talk with Kristen Pisani-Jacques, Training Director at the National Association of Counsel for Children. The NACC is hosting regular webinars regarding the response of children’s lawyers to the COVID-19 pandemic. We cover some of...
03.24.2020
Takeaways from Season One
In this episode, we wrap up Season One by picking our favorite takeaways, and introducing you to Season Two. We recognize that many of you are struggling to provide representation to your clients in this difficult time. We are working on...
02.04.2020
Implicit Bias: A Conversation with Judge Scott Bernstein, Part Two
In our first episodes of 2020, we have a two part series with Judge Scott Bernstein. Judge Bernstein has served as a Circuit Court Judge in Miami for over 22 years. His passion is working with children and families, and...
01.22.2020
Implicit Bias: A Conversation with Judge Scott Bernstein
In our first episode of 2020, we have a two part series with Judge Scott Bernstein. Judge Bernstein has served as a Circuit Court Judge in Miami for over 22 years. His passion is working with children and families, and...
12.04.2019
Cheerleading 101 - yes, you do that too
In this episode, Angela and Bill reveal a secret—that advocating a parent’s position can in fact facilitate the quick achievement of permanency. For example, a child’s attorney ensuring a parent is promptly referred to providers will help determine whether the...
11.06.2019
NACC Live: A Conversation with Leslie Starr Heimov, Part Two
In this two part series, Angela and Bill interview Leslie Starr Heimov, Executive Director of the Children's Law Center of California. CLC is the largest children's law office in the country, representing about 33,000 children at any given time. In...
10.29.2019
NACC Live: A Conversation with Leslie Starr Heimov
In this two part series, Angela and Bill interview Leslie Starr Heimov, Executive Director of the Children's Law Center of California. CLC is the largest children's law office in the country, representing about 33,000 children at any given time. In Part...
10.01.2019
NACC Live: A Conversation with Kim Dvorchak
In this episode, Angela and Bill interview Kim Dvorchak, executive director of the National Association of Counsel for Children. Kim talks with us about The Children’s Law Office Project, member resources, and NACC’s vision for the future. Here are a few...
09.12.2019
Representing LGBTQ+ Clients: A Conversation with Currey Cook, Part Two
Did you know that one in five children in the child welfare system identify as LBGTQ+? In this two part episode, Angela and Bill interview Currey Cook. Currey is the Director of the Youth in Out-of-Home Care Project and Counsel...
08.13.2019
Representing LGBTQ+ Clients: A Conversation with Currey Cook, Part One
Did you know that one in five children in the child welfare system identify as LBGTQ+? In this two part episode, Angela and Bill interview Currey Cook. Currey is the Director of the Youth in Out-of-Home Care Project and Counsel...
07.23.2019
3 Tips for Thriving in the Profession
In this episode, Angela talks with Bill about how he has continued to thrive in his children’s law practice. Bill's suggestions have worked for him and we think they can work for you too. Let us know what you think about...
06.26.2019
The Art of Building Trust with Your Client
The four of us are back together to share tips on how to speak with your child clients. The number one question we get from new attorneys, and sometimes experienced attorneys, is how to communicate with our child clients. The...
06.06.2019
Reflections from the Bench: An Interview with Justice Barbara Pariente, Part Two
In this two part episode, retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente reflects on her career as a leading judicial voice for the protection and enhancement of the legal rights of children and their corresponding need for emotional stability. While on...
06.05.2019
Reflections from the Bench: An Interview with Justice Barbara Pariente, Part One
In this two part episode, retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente reflects on her career as a leading judicial voice for the protection and enhancement of the legal rights of children and their corresponding need for emotional stability. While on...
05.06.2019
HBO Documentary “Foster”: Behind the Scenes with the Producer and Director
In this episode, Jim interviews Oscar® winners Deborah Oppenheimer and Mark Jonathan Harris about the new HBO documentary “Foster” which begins airing Tuesday, May 7 at 8:00pm. The documentary offers insights from children’s lawyers and others in its presentation to...

What's The Children's Law Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Children's Law Podcast episodes:

Objection! No One is Leading.

Let's Talk Adoption

Placement Considerations for Children's Attorneys

Can Singing in the Car Make You a Better Children's Lawyer?

Takeaways from 2023

Messaging to Win Hearts and Minds

Collaborative or Adversarial?

Three Powerful Practices

Motion to Compel

One Legal Problem

How Can We Challenge Our Assumptions?

Homelessness and Child Welfare: A Conversation with David Ambroz

When Things Go Sideways

Planning for Success, Not Survival

When Your Client is a Survivor of Sex Trafficking

What's Next for Your Teen Client?

Finding Permanency for Older Youth

Resolutions for the New Year

NACC: More Ways to Connect

Effects of Policing on Children of Color: A Conversation with Prof. Kristin Henning

The Arriving Exercise

Trauma and the Children's Lawyer

Why We're Really Here: NACC's Cristal Ramirez on Youth Engagement

A New Child Welfare System: A Conversation with Public Knowledge

Your Role in Promoting Race Equity

The NACC: Five Things You Need to Know

The Basics of Working with Mental Health Providers

Takeaways from 2020

How to Sleep at Night

Domestic Violence: A Few Powerful Strategies

Racism in Child Welfare: A Conversation with Dr. Jessica Pryce

A Book, a Movie and a Life Tip

Severe Abuse and the Pandemic

Is There a Silver Lining?

Advocacy During the Pandemic: Time to Plan

Advocacy During the Pandemic

Takeaways from Season One

Implicit Bias: A Conversation with Judge Scott Bernstein, Part Two

Implicit Bias: A Conversation with Judge Scott Bernstein

Cheerleading 101 - yes, you do that too

NACC Live: A Conversation with Leslie Starr Heimov, Part Two

NACC Live: A Conversation with Leslie Starr Heimov

NACC Live: A Conversation with Kim Dvorchak

Representing LGBTQ+ Clients: A Conversation with Currey Cook, Part Two

Representing LGBTQ+ Clients: A Conversation with Currey Cook, Part One

3 Tips for Thriving in the Profession

The Art of Building Trust with Your Client

Reflections from the Bench: An Interview with Justice Barbara Pariente, Part Two

Reflections from the Bench: An Interview with Justice Barbara Pariente, Part One

HBO Documentary “Foster”: Behind the Scenes with the Producer and Director