SKILLS

Case planning

• Although legally, case planning is the responsibility of the child welfare agency, CIPs should assess whether and how attorneys advocate to advance case planning. Quality representation entails independent efforts by the attorney to develop their own primary and contingency case plans that are driven by and aligned with the youth’s interests, position, and needs - and advocating for the agency and court to adopt those plans.
• For more information on case planning, click here.

Collaborative skills

• Attorneys and professionals will eventually leave the family’s life, and the family will be left to manage the effects of contentious court processes. CIPs should assess whether attorneys possess strong collaborative skills that help youth and families achieve positive outcomes outside of the courtroom.
• For more information on collaborative skills, click here.