Description:
ICWA Training Primer, Thursday, August 20, 11:30-1 pm. This is a virtual training. Join us in person at the CASA Office and we’ll participate virtually or join us virtually. During this 1-hour session, participants will receive an overview of Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases, including the elevated burdens of proof, required findings, and requirements for the use of qualified expert witnesses (QEWs) at certain hearings. Best practices related to the application of ICWA and the effect on permanency when ICWA is not properly applied will also be discussed.  

Speaker Bio:
Renée Castillo-De La Cruz is a Senior Staff Attorney at the Supreme Court of Texas Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth, and Families (Children’s Commission). She joined the Children’s Commission in November 2019, after 10 years of practice in the courtroom representing parents, children, and DFPS. She is responsible for attorney training and education and provides support to the judicial training and education efforts of the Children’s Commission Training Committee. Renee also oversees Legal Practice and Process Committee projects focused on providing high-quality legal representation to all parties involved in the child welfare system and resources to assist parents in understanding and navigating the child welfare system.