Please join us for our February Child Welfare Speaker Series panel on the topic of “Timely Representation.” The moment a child welfare agent knocks on a parent's door, anything the parent says or does can affect the outcome of their child welfare case. However, legal representation is not provided to families until after they have been interrogated and investigated. The panelists will discuss how this lack of legal support contributes to the high risk of separation families face and how early representation could prevent unnecessary trauma for children and their families.

Moderator:

• Anastasia Rivera-Bonilla, Litigation supervisor, Center For Family Representation

Panelists:

• Helen Montalvan, Parent advocate, Neighborhood Defender Services Harlem

• Asia Pena, MSW, family defense Bronx Defenders

• Nancy Fortunato, Parent Advocate, The Institute for Transformative Mentoring, JMacForFamilies

• Nayiesha Terrell, Parent Advocate, The Institute for Transformative Mentoring, JMacForFamilies

The Child Welfare Speakers Series is organized by Joyce McMillan

This event is made possible by the Ira W. DeCamp Foundation

Your tax-deductible donation to the Center for New York City Affairs helps us to create a more just and equitable city through original and timely research and public dialog that engages policymakers and communities. Thank you for partnering with us. We can't do it without you!

Please contact Kamille Vargas (vargasks@newschool.edu or 212-229-5400 x2084) should you require reasonable accommodations for the event