Dive into the critical topic of mental health rights for children involved in Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases at the Together We Can Conference, themed “Hive of Hope: Connecting, Strengthening, Serving.” This session will provide an in-depth look at the circumstances under which children are entitled to the appointment of a Mental Health Advocacy Service (MHAS) attorney, the pivotal role of these attorneys, and the rights of children when placed in psychiatric facilities. Through case studies, legal frameworks, and practical guidance, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to advocate for and protect the mental health rights of children in the child welfare system.
SPEAKER
Rebecca May-Ricks, JD
Ms. May-Ricks is the Director of the Mental Health Advocacy Service/Child Advocacy Program. She represents children in abuse and neglect cases and/or mental health cases, while supervising other attorneys who do the same. She is a member of the Pelican Center Training Faculty, the Court Improvement Program’s CARE team, the CQI Committee, the Louisiana Bar Association’s Children Law Committee, and numerous other policy organizations, committees, subcommittees, and workgroups related to children and the law. Ms. May-Ricks is a Board-Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist by the National Association of Counsel for Children and serves as the NACC State Coordinator for Louisiana.
Kathy Lynn Cook, JD, C.W.L.S.
Ms. Cook has been a Mental Health attorney for juveniles and adults for 29 years, spending the last 19 years as a CINC attorney for children. Her agency responsibilities include legislation writing and monitoring, training and data management, and she works on child welfare policy and quality indicators development at both the state and national levels. Ms. Cook has A.S., B.S., M.A. and J.D. degrees, and is NACC certified as a Child Welfare Law Specialist.
