Every year, the State Bar of Wisconsin Children and the Law Section Board holds an open board meeting. Any section member interested in participating is welcomed to attend the Feb. 22 meeting, says board member Katie Holtz, who also provides an update on section activities.
Recent Wisconsin Supreme Court oral arguments in Michels v. Lyons dissected the constitutionality of a grandparent visitation statute. Tiffany Highstrom and Sara Vanden Brook discuss the court’s recent oral arguments regarding the statute and cases involved.
Some states have decided that open adoption may be considered when it is in the best interests of the child. Brooklyn Kemp writes about the issues, benefits, and disadvantages of open adoption.
Called the "fastest-growing foster care initiative," kinship placement and adoption is on the rise. Kaitlyn Dvorak discusses what guardians ad litem should keep in mind about the benefits and challenges of recommending placement with family members.
A new legislative Act alters what a custodial parent must do to move or relocate with a child. Lisa-Marie Line outlines the changes, which became effective April 5, 2018.
Juveniles have a fundamental right to be tried only if competent. What happens when juveniles don’t become competent until they become an adult? Devon Lee discusses issues involved in a case taken up by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Petitioners should proceed carefully when using the newly revised Continuing Need of Protection or Services ground, writes Rebecca Kiefer.
Katie Holtz talks about a great way for section members to maximize their member benefits - by using the Children & the Law Section elist.
With more than 110 court-ordered out-of-state mental health residential care placements for youth in 2017, the lack of in-state options is of deep concern for many in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The upward trend is a disturbing one, says Eileen Fredericks.
Following the establishment of the Speaker's Task Force on Foster Care, a new legislative package of 13 bills, called Foster Forward, was introduced. Megan DeVore talks about the Foster Forward bills and their potential to bring significant changes to the child welfare system in Wisconsin.
Recent – and dramatic – changes in the law have granted marriage and parental equality to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families – but should same-sex parents still obtain a court order for adoption? Emily Dudak Taylor and Kristi Baker discuss the relevant recent cases and the best way to ensure a child’s access to both parents for years to come.
The Wisconsin Legislature’s new Task Force on Foster Care represents an opportunity to make meaningful change to keep children safe and to help Wisconsin families be successful, writes Sarah Henery, who encourages those with ideas to get involved.
The Children & the Law Section has established the Children & the Law Section Blog to provide its members with valuable information for attorneys who represent various parties including children, parents, and grandparents, as well as agencies that serve children