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

Target Audience:
This training is intended for DHHS Child Protective Services and Foster Care adoption workers, private agencies, tribes, and service providers who may testify in court in child protective proceedings.

Background and Purpose:
The morning portion of this full-day training will feature the components of witness testimony and courtroom hearing procedures. Through group discussion and mock trial practice exercises, the afternoon portion will help caseworkers develop and expand their courtroom presentations and improve their ability to testify effectively. The training will focus on the roles and responsibilities of adoption, foster care, and protective services workers as they relate to child protective proceedings. The training will explain the importance of being prepared and how preparedness improves courtroom performance. The presenter 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

FAQs

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 Management 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 Holiday Inn in Big Rapids, Michigan. 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 231-796-4400. The room block is block will close on November 30, 2015 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.

What attire do you recommend?
Room temperature can fluctuate throughout the day. Please plan accordingly and dress in layers.

Is food provided?
Lunch and coffee will be provided to participants; however, due to grant restrictions, we are unable to provide breakfast or snacks. Additional meals and snacks are the responsibility of the participant.

What are my parking options?
Parking is free. SCAO-CWS will email you a parking pass, campus map, and parking instructions approximately one week prior to the training.

What meeting room will the training be in?
The training will be held in University Center meeting room UCB 202 C.