1. Zealous Representation and Advocacy in a Collaborative System Choosing the most effective advocacy for different situations

2. 2 Relationship  Clients must develop a relationship with the department  Attorneys can model such successful relationships

3. 3 Mediation  Exploration of clients’ strengths and needs  Help balance the power by preparing clients, guide them to making their own requests for help, more able to accept if their idea

4. 4 Supporting Dignity  Advocate for cognitively appropriate services  Simple manners can help client have a framework of honor

5. 5 Communication Strategies  Homeless - set times to call  Non-English speaking - interpreters  Illiterate – iconic letters  Educate on effective use of voicemail, helps you communicate with client and client with department and providers, complete messages

6. 6 Cultivating Human Resources  Social workers  Support staff with the court and the Department (may need a secretary to walk down the hall to slip a note under a door)  Providers

7. 7 Use Disclosure Offers  Easily accessible background information in the department file  Set enough time to review, may be hidden treasures or land mines  Determine department policy on copies

8. 8 Communication with Represented Individuals  Social workers – if asking a “difficult” question of a social worker outside of the presence of his counsel, suggest he consult before answering  Get permission from other counsel in the case before having unsupervised contact with client, adult or child, possibly a signed waiver

9. 9 Personality Conflicts  Gain power by naming it  Yours or you clients?  Mediate  Use supervisors  Ask questions

10. 10 Invitation to Do the Right Thing  Ask questions instead of making statements  Let others think it’s their good idea  Don’t be afraid to use your power for good

11. 11 Two Heads May Be Better Than One  Ask for support  Become someone’s protégé  Don’t ask the judge or opposing counsel for advice  Use the social work concept of “supervision”

12. 12 When All Else Fails Know when to suck it up and file.

13. 13 Healthy Distance Recognize and Prevent:  Compassion fatigue  Secondary trauma  Burn out