News & Developments

Clinic Director, Diane Sumoski, had the privilege of speaking at the Texas State Bar's Advanced Child Protection Conference during the "Child Protection Law 101" segment on April 4, 2024. Professor Sumoski's presentation was entitled, Effective Representation of the Child Client in the Permanent Managing Conservatorship of CPS." Professor Sumoski was honored to have the opportunity to present on what she views as an extremely important topic - representing children after their parents' rights have been terminated or severely limited. Professor Sumoski urges lawyers to adopt a sense of urgency in this stage of a CPS case. She says, "Children are most vulnerable at this stage of a proceeding. They have already lived through tremendous trauma, but attorneys can help them find the family they deserve who can provide them with a sense of belonging. Even if a permanent family proves elusive, lawyers can use their training and skills to ensure these child clients are well cared for, protected, and afforded all of their rights as a child in care."

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