Product Description

This year’s Conference centers on the unifying theme of “Prevention Together”, focusing on what we—as advocates, providers, and system stakeholders—can do to keep children and families out of the court system altogether. With the understanding that our children are a shared responsibility across agencies and communities, this Conference invites a collective conversation about prevention, prompt interventions, and the impact of system involvement itself. Rather than focusing solely on the trauma that brings families into the system, we explore the harm the system can cause and how to heal and support families before they reach a crisis point.

The program features a cross-cutting plenary session designed to engage both juvenile delinquency and child welfare practitioners, followed by specialized breakout sessions. Topics include promising diversion programs from across the Commonwealth, innovative pre-petition initiatives aimed at supporting families without legal intervention, and a caselaw update led by respected experts. Attendees also hear from a panel of community providers—including family resource centers, advocacy groups, and mediation services— offering insights into non-carceral, community-driven approaches to family and youth support. These sessions highlight creative, culturally responsive strategies for avoiding unnecessary system involvement while addressing underlying needs.

The Conference also features discussions bridging the civil and criminal legal landscapes, such as how to support families navigating both DCF and DYS systems and how to dispel fear and misinformation around accessing services—especially for immigrant families concerned about enforcement actions. With engaging dialogue, practical takeaways, and a renewed focus on prevention and equity, this year’s Conference equips participants with the tools and perspective needed to advance meaningful, child- and family-centered advocacy throughout the Commonwealth.

Lunch is provided by the Supreme Judicial Court’s Court Improvement Program!

*The Conference itself is supported by the Supreme Judicial Court’s Court Improvement Program. If you are registering as part of the Court Improvement Fund allocation, please register using the process outlined by your institution.*

Note: In-person attendance is capped for this Conference! Book now to guarantee your seat!

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30am - 9:45am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Lisa G. Loveland, Esq., Department of Children and Families,Commonwealth of Mass Boston legal office , Boston
  Katherine J. Perry-Lorentz, Esq., Department of Youth Services , Boston
  
• 9:45am - 10:30am

  Keynote

  Dr. Robert Macy, The Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute , Brookline
  
• 10:30am - 11:00am

  Immigration Advice

  Lara Wagner,
  
• 11:00am - 11:15am

  Break and Transition to Breakout Rooms
• 11:15am - 12:15pm

  Break Out Sessions
• Pre-Petition Panel Breakout

  Aimee L. Cameron Browne, Esq., Department of Children and Families,Commonwealth of Mass Western legal office , Holyoke
  Julia Popkin, Esq., Community Legal Aid/Hampden County , Springfield
  
• Diversion Panel Breakout

  Melissa Threadgill, Office of the Child Advocate , Boston
  Krystyna Boisjolie, RFK Community Alliance , Lancaster
  Melissa Conroy Hartford, Esq., Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Woburn
  Sheila Creaton Kelly, Esq., Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Worcester
  Laura S. Miller, Esq., Middlesex District Attorney's Office , Framingham
  Daniele Rose, Department of Youth Services , Boston
  
• 12:15pm - 1:15pm

  Lunch (provided by the Supreme Judicial Court’s Court Improvement Program)
• 1:15pm - 1:35pm

  Chief Justice Address

  Hon. Dana Michal Gershengorn, Juvenile Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Brockton
  
• 1:35pm - 2:55pm

  Legal Updates

  Melanie L. Capwell, Esq., Department of Children and Families,Commonwealth of Mass Boston legal office , Boston
  Hon. Tracie L. Souza, Bristol County Juvenile Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Taunton
  Monica C. Murphy, Esq., Department of Children and Families, General Counsel, Commonwealth of Mass , Boston
  Ann Balmelli O'Connor, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services, Children and Family Law Division , Worcester
  Melanie J. Roberts, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services , Boston
  
• 2:55pm - 3:10pm

  Break
• 3:10pm - 4:25pm

  Community Provider Panel

  Dr. Robert Macy, The Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute , Brookline
  Elizabeth Bouchard, Childrens Advocacy Center of Sufolk County , Boston
  Kaydi Didrickson, Youth Villages
  Carisa D. Pajak, Community Behavioral Health Centers
  Julia A.B. Pearson, Esq., Plummer Youth Promise , Needham Heights
  Kristina Peralta, Family Resource Center , Boston
  Meri Viano, Parent Professional Advocacy League , Westborough
  
• 4:25pm - 4:30pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

  Panel
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Cochairs

Faculty