APDA Conference 2026: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

10:00am MST

ETHICS: Protecting the Rights of Disabled Parents in Child Welfare Proceedings

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

This presentation reviews the history and legal framework of the Americans with disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 as they apply to dependency cases, which allege that a child is neglected, abused, or without proper parental care. We'll provide practical strategies for advocating for reasonable accommodations for parents with Intellectual Disability Diagnosis (IDD), including guidance on filing appropriate motions. The presentation also explores legal remedies when the Department of Child Services (DCS) fails to meet its obligations under these laws, as well as the ethical considerations involved in representing parents with IDD.

Speakers

Maryvonne Harbulot

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Denise Carroll

Attorney, Law Office of Denise L. Carroll

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Dependency Updates

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

This course will provide a review of Dependency appellate cases from the past year and any changes to the current rules and statutes.

Speakers

Joseph Ramiro-Shanahan

Attorney, Law Office of Joseph C. Ramiro-Shanahan

Jessica Strain

Attorney, Law Office of Joseph C. Ramiro-Shanahan

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

8:15am MST

ETHICS: Representing Children and Parents in Juvenile Court

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

This course will review the duties and responsibilities under the Rules of Procedure for the Juvenile court placed on an attorney representing a child under Rule 306 and an attorney representing a parent under rule 307. We will examine how those responsibilities manifest in real-world situations and how they interact with the rules of professional conduct that apply to both attorneys and staff.

Speakers

Rachel Metelits

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Jeremiah Jensen

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

Erin Bevins

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: Complex Ethical Issues in Dependency Cases

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

A dependency case is initiated by a state agency (like Child Protective Services) when a child is alleged to be abused, neglected, or abandoned. The court determines if the parent is unable to provide proper care, often resulting in court-ordered services, family supervision, or temporary removal of the child to ensure their safety. Join us for a discussion about the complicated ethical issues that arise in dependency cases, including the scope of Parent and Child Representation, and how to address them.

Speakers

Brian Strickman

Attorney, Strickman Law

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

How Immigration Law Can Affect Parents and Children in Dependency Cases

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

This class will give a basic overview of the intersection between dependency law and immigration law, but it will also cover the effect of a child’s immigration status on a dependency case; how an immigration determiner may affect a child or a parent who is involved in a dependency proceeding; etc. The class will focus not only on generalities, but also on specific ways that attorneys can facilitate reunification despite their client’s immigration status.

Speakers

Valentina Restrepo Montoya

Attorney, Always (Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services)

Marissa Anderson

Attorney, Always (AZ Legal Women and Youth Services)

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: Dependency in the Real World: A Case Study in Complexity, Conflict, and Advocacy

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

A dependency case determines if a child is dependent on the state due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. This presentation will provide a start-to-finish case study of a complex dependency matter involving motion practice, settlement conference procedure, and significant challenges with high-conflict clients, placement, providers, and case management. The case also raised concerns regarding potential criminal exposure and shall discuss how to represent a dependency client with the specter of criminal charges hanging over the dependency proceedings. The presentation will focus on ethical considerations and practical advocacy strategies that ultimately led to reunification against all odds.

Speakers

Robert Casey

Attorney, Southwestern Legal

Robert Ian Casey is an Arizona attorney whose practice centers on child welfare, representing children and parents in dependency and termination proceedings, as well as handling juvenile delinquency and adult criminal matters. He practices in both trial and appellate courts and works... Read More →

Seth Draper

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Seth Draper has extensive experience in dependency cases at the trial and appellate level.

Jennifer Patterson

Parent Social Worker, Team-Based Parent Representation Program

Jennifer Patterson holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. With over 13 years of experience supporting families involved in the child welfare and court systems, she brings extensive knowledge and advocacy to her work. Jennifer... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Dependency