The SMBA is hosting local experts and national celebrities at our GAL CLE.  This program not only provides great information for the GAL in juvenile court, it goes further to give concrete resources for the GAL in family court.

The all star lineup includes lawyers, judges, counselors and Keith and Dana Cutler who will present on bias, cultural competence and micro aggressions with “Real Talk.”   Keith and Dana star in “Couples Court with the Cutlers” and learned this week that they have been nominated for a daytime Emmy!  Don’t miss their entertaining and informative presentation, which is only one part of a fantastic lineup. 

You have the option of attending one or two sessions. (The two session option satisfies the initial training required for appointment.

First Session (9:00- 12:30) (4MCLE-GAL)

Roles and Responsibilities of the GAL: Brian Risley

• Brian will cover the aspirations set by the Missouri Supreme Court GAL standards and the practical aspects, like:  getting appointed, getting paid, dealing with unrepresented parties, home visits and preparing for trial.

Update on the Law and Permanency Planning: Bill Prince

• Bill will bring us up to speed on the most recent developments in case law and legislation.  He will also provide guidance on permanency planning.

Second Session (12:30-4:00) (4MCLE- GAL)

Social, Educational and Mental Health Resources for Children and Parents: Andrea Bishop, M.B.A., M.S., L.P.C., Executive Director, Betty and Bobby Allison Ozarks Counseling Center, Rhonda Mammen, M.S., Director of School Counseling Services, Springfield Public Schools, Polly Letsch, MSW, LCSW, Nurture Psychotherapy Services

• Andrea, Rhonda and Polly will discuss everything from the practical aspects like obtaining school records to the academic research in emotional/ psychological development of children caught in the crossfire of parental disputes.  They will address parentification, alienation, substance abuse, high conflict families and grandparent custody.  They will share tips on interviewing children at different developmental stages.

Tips from the Bench for the GAL

• What does the judge look for from the GAL?  Ask them in person or submit your questions in advance. Judge Andy Hosmer, Commissioner Susan Jensen and Commissioner John Lukachick will be on hand to provide answers and suggest best practices in family and in juvenile court.

Cultural Competence: Real Talk with Keith and Dana Cutler

• The program will conclude with an interactive presentation from Missouri’s own Keith and Dana Cutler.  Keith and Dana will let you be the judge, in a fun and thought provoking presentation on bias, micro aggressions and how to increase our own cultural competence.

Advance Registration

• Single session: members $175, others $225
• Both sessions: members $275, others $400

SMBA Registration Cancellation: Requests for refund must be received a minimum of 48 hours prior to the event. All refunds are subject to a $10 administrative fee.

Substitutions: Substitutes for paid registrants unable to attend are allowed in most circumstances. (Not available to non members)