2024 State Conference

Meet with administrative and fiscal colleagues from around the state to talk about challenges and opportunities in our work.  Discussion topics to include:

1. Office space in the post-Covid era

2. Role of leadership in cybersecurity

3. Tracking grant spending

Facilitator: Lara Otsuka, Director of Business Administration, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)

Our lives unfold based on decisions made collaboratively or individually with variable sensitivity to the benefits and risks of the things we choose to do (or not do). The way we understand and respond to risk and benefit is often referred to as "capacity," "capability," or "competency," but what principles or presumptions underlie those ideas? When do attorneys consider "testamentary capacity" or "contractual capacity?" How do definitions of decisional capacity in medicine challenge or enhance our understanding of these legal concepts? This session will explore what it means to "have capacity." We'll explore the basics of legal capacity, informed consent and decision-making in this introductory discussion.

Objectives:
1. Following this presentation, participants will recognize terminology associated with discussions around capacity/capability/competency and informed consent.
2. Participants will distinguish between the levels of capability required for certain legal actions.
3. Participants will explore strategies that promote person-centered approaches to discussions regarding capability to accomplish various objectives.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit

In this session, we’ll cover immigration relief basics for youth, with a specific focus on SIJS. SIJS provides a pathway to permanent residency for vulnerable children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by a parent. We will learn how juvenile and family courts, child welfare programs, and referrals from advocates like you, all play a crucial role in SIJS matters. By understanding SIJS and other basic immigration relief, you can advocate for protection from deportation for the children you serve.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

This session will dig into the complexities of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA) from both a practical and legal perspective. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and foundational principles of ICWA and MIFPA, exploring their impact on preserving Native American families and cultural connections. The session will cover recent legal developments, significant court cases, and ongoing challenges in honoring the connections for Native American families.

CLE: 1.0 hour of Standard CLE credit

The Immigration Hub meetup is a chance for staff participating in the New Americans Immigration Hub to meet in person to discuss progress and plans for the project.