1. Objectives Describe your roles and responsibilities, and other participants, in the dependency court process. Describe how to facilitate teamwork with Children’s Legal Services. Identify your responsibilities to review and prepare files before court. Recognize proper courtroom demeanor. List the elements of providing effective court testimony and being a credible witness. Core 104_Court Preparation and Participation OH 1

2. Manages case before & during court proceedings Provides information, evidence & witness lists to Children’s Legal Services Brings file to court (agency protocol)Testifies at court hearing Protective Investigator/Case Manager Core 104_Court Preparation and Participation OH 2

3. Prepare to Answer Any Questions Review file, prepare summary notes/ case chronology, number pages Know names, ages, birthdates of all children Monitor trust account, report status Child’s PlacementReasonable Efforts Relatives/Alternative Placements Prepare Written Report Case Plan ComplianceRecommendationsCopies of records Send expert reports to CLS as received Preparing for Review Hearings What is your region/ circuit protocol about bringing files to court? Core 104_Court Preparation and Participation OH 3

4. Preparing for Trials What is your region/ circuit protocol about bringing files to court? Prepare to Answer Any Questions Child’s PlacementReasonable Efforts Relatives/ Alternative Placements Children’s Legal Services Review Testimony Review Prior Testimony (including depositions) Provide Evidence & Witnesses Provide all Expert Reports as Received Core 104_Court Preparation and Participation OH 4

5. Follow the Basic RulesFollow the Basic Rules Core 104_Court Preparation and Participation OH 4 Always tell the truth. Don’t be afraid to admit you didn’t hear or understand a question. Stop talking when someone says “Objection.” Don’t forget: Always tell the truth.

6. Make a Good ImpressionMake a Good Impression Core 104_Court Preparation and Participation OH 5 Dress AppropriatelyBehave Properly Body Language is KeySpeak to the Court with Respect

7. Prepare for CourtPrepare for Court Core 104_Court Preparation and Participation OH 6 Do Good Work Know Your Case

8. How to be Nervous & Not Show ItHow to be Nervous & Not Show It Core 104_Court Preparation and Participation OH 7 Control your Voice Speak Clearly and Distinctly Give Spoken Answers Use Plain English

9. How to Answer QuestionsHow to Answer Questions Core 104_Court Preparation and Participation OH 8 Let the Attorney Develop Your Testimony If You Don’t Know, Say So Don’t Try to Make Your Testimony Conform to Other Testimony You Heard Look at the Person Asking the Questions or the Judge