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

• 3:00pm - 3:05pm

  Welcome and Introduction

  Rebecca G. Neale, Esq., Law Office of Rebecca G. Neale , Bedford
  
• Pre-Petition Panel Breakout
• 3:05pm - 3:15pm

  Definition of Abuse

  Rebecca G. Neale, Esq., Law Office of Rebecca G. Neale , Bedford
  
• 3:15pm - 3:25pm

  Financial Abuse

  Gabrielle Clemens, Esq., RBC Wealth Management , Bonita Springs
  
• 3:25pm - 3:40pm

  Financial Abuse as a Basis for a 209A Protective Order and Impact on a Domestic Relations Case

  Rebecca G. Neale, Esq., Law Office of Rebecca G. Neale , Bedford
  
• 3:40pm - 3:55pm

  How to Minimize Opportunities for Financial Abuse

  Gabrielle Clemens, Esq., RBC Wealth Management , Bonita Springs
  
• 3:55pm - 4:00pm

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

  Panel
  
• 3:55pm - 4:00pm

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

  Panel
  
• Diversion Panel Breakout
• 12:15pm - 1:15pm

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

  Chief Justice Address
• 1:35pm - 2:55pm

  Legal Updates
• 2:55pm - 3:10pm

  Break
• 3:10pm - 4:25pm

  Community Provider Panel
• 4:25pm - 4:30pm

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

Special Program Materials:

• Massachusetts Juvenile Delinquency and Child Welfare Law Sourcebook & Citator

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