On-Demand Record Webinar - Child Welfare Appellate Law Update

Course overview

This is a recording of a webinar hosted by CWJJS on December 2, 2025, and presented by Vivek Sankaran, Director of Child Advocacy Law Clinic, University of Michigan Law School, and Rick Barinbaum, University of Michigan School of Social Work. This webinar is worth 1.5 CJE credit Judicial Practice and Related Areas. Michigan's child welfare landscape continues to evolve through significant appellate decisions that clarify, and sometimes reshape, legal standards, procedural requirements, and best practices for trial courts. This interactive webinar provides Michigan jurists with a comprehensive review of the most important recent decisions from the Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals in abuse, neglect, and termination of parental rights cases. The speakers examine the legal holdings, factual contexts, and reasoning in each case, with a focus on how these rulings impact day-to-day trial court decision-making. Topics include: Standards for 'aggravated circumstances' and termination at initial disposition Reasonable efforts and termination at initial disposition Reasonable efforts and reunification requirements Procedural safeguards, including advisement of rights and appellate access Evolving interpretations of 'best interests' Evidentiary rulings affecting adjudication and disposition The session also offers opportunities for discussion and problem-solving around practical implementation, common pitfalls, and anticipated future challenges. Participants gain an updated understanding of the law and concrete strategies for aligning courtroom practice with current appellate guidance.