Join this critical session on legal professionalism and ethics within the child welfare system. This session will provide an in-depth exploration of the ethical obligations and professional standards that guide legal practitioners working with children and families. Participants will engage in discussions on common ethical dilemmas, best practices for maintaining integrity and professionalism, and the importance of ethical decision-making in ensuring justice and advocacy for vulnerable populations. This session aims to equip legal professionals with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of ethical practice in child welfare.
SPEAKERS
Franchesca Hamilton-Acker, JD
Franchesca L. Hamilton-Acker is the Managing Attorney/Unit Leader of the Child(ren) In Need of Care Unit (CINC) at Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) in Lafayette where she has practiced public interest law for over 25 years. She received a BS degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in English and Political Science from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1995 and a Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center in 1998.
Richard Pittman
Richard M. Pittman is a certified Child Welfare Law Specialist and has been involved in child welfare law and policy since 2006. He is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he is tasked with preparing law students to enter the profession, and promotes public service. Prior to his appointment, he served as Deputy Public Defender and Director of Juvenile Defender Services in the Louisiana public defender system for 11 years. He is a co-reporter of the Children’s Code Committee of the Louisiana Law Institute, the Pelican Center Training and Education Committee, the CARE Committee, and the Steering Committee of the ABA Parent Representation Project.
