This session will provide valuable insights and strategies for effectively collaborating with prosecutors in Child in Need of Care (CINC) proceedings. Participants will learn how to build productive relationships, communicate effectively, and advocate for the best interests of families and children. The session aims to equip child welfare professionals, social workers, and legal advocates with the tools necessary to navigate the legal system and achieve positive outcomes for families.
Speaker
Curtis Nelson
Since March 2024, Mr. Curtis Nelson has served as the Deputy Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association (LDAA). Prior to this role, he was the Deputy Secretary for the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice. With over 30 years of professional experience dedicated to children and families, Mr. Nelson has held a broad range of positions, including adolescent mental health technician, court-appointed special advocate, parent’s attorney in Child in Need of Care proceedings, child defense attorney in delinquency and Families in Need of Services (FINS) cases, and juvenile prosecutor for the 19th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Judicial Administrator for the Louisiana Supreme Court’s Division of Children and Families.
Mr. Nelson has been a committed leader in statewide initiatives and policy reform. He has served as Co-Chair of the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) Children’s Law Committee, Co-Chair of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) Leadership Collaborative, and as a member of both the Louisiana Children’s Justice Task Force and the Governor’s Advisory Board of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Additionally, he was an Advisory Board Fellow for the Pelican Center for Children and Families.
A veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Nelson served six years in the Louisiana Army National Guard (Combat Medical Unit) and another six years in the United States Army Reserve with the Theater Support Command – Judge Advocate General Corps.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Louisiana State University and earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.
