We’re counting down 10 of the biggest stories The Imprint published in 2019. Each day, we’ll connect readers with a few links to our coverage on a big story from this past year.
When people discuss family preservation and preventing foster care removals, the subject is often about programs and services. But a new angle on prevention has gained steam this year: more, and better, legal counsel for parents.
At the dawn of 2019, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opened up federal spending for the first time to support legal fees for parents involved in child welfare cases. And in the spring, a long-awaited study linked the use of interdisciplinary law offices – a robust team approach to representing parents – with shorter stays in foster care for children.
Lead Read
A look at how New York City’s interdisciplinary law office model helped a young mom get her child back quickly.
Also Read
A quiet policy change in Washington that could mean millions in new funds for legal support in states.
A deep dive into the study that some advocates hope will propel the idea of interdisciplinary law in child welfare.
An analysis of what might come next for parent representation.