DC KinCare Alliance was chosen for this grant in recognition of its innovative and unique approach to helping DC kinship families.

The DC family court has reimagined how it will return to operations following the COVID pandemic.

Executive Director Stephanie McClellan discussed the services provided by DC KinCare Alliance to grandparent and DC agency attendees.

At this meeting, we discussed the new Ombudsperson for Children, advocacy efforts on kinship navigator programs, and an in-person event in July.  The DC Affordable Law Firm also provided an amazing presentation on wills, trusts and estates.

See attached Order to determine how operations are affected in your case; most cases are still being heard remotely but some are in-person.  Public service counters and help centers are generally open for in-person service. Electronic service via text message, email or other forms of social media remains permissible in accordance with DRB Rule 4(c)(3)(B).

The Community Board welcomed Michelle Hammonds, the Director of the Office of Financial Empowerment and Education, District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking.  Ms. Hammonds discussed financial literacy issues.

Ms. Cohen and Ms. Spindel respond to Professor Roberts’ April 17th piece in the Outlook section of the Washington Post.  Cohen and Spindel contend that Roberts’ version of reality “does not agree with what we see every day as child advocates in the District of Columbia, nor with the research on child welfare.”

The Order issued on April 8, 2022 continues mostly remote hearings in the courthouse, with some exceptions as set forth in the Order.  All clerks offices are open for in-person filings.  The Family Court Self Help Center is open in-person and remotely.

Ms. Spindel presented on “AMERICA’S HIDDEN FOSTER SYSTEM – HOW IT HURTS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES,” along with co-presenters Diane Redleaf with United Family Advocates/Family Defense Consulting and Andrew Brown of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

The Community Board welcomed advocates from the DC Fair Budget Coalition to talk about ways to make their voices heard in the DC budget process.