Core 1: An Attorney’s Introduction to Pennsylvania’s Dependency System
This online version of Core One is not approved for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits. If you are an attorney practicing in the dependency court system and wish to complete the version of Core One that is approved for CLE credits; please contact the Dependency Judge or his/her designee in your County.
Access to this non-accredited education course is intended for court and child welfare professionals who are not seeking CLE credits but wish to gain additional information about Pennsylvania’s Dependency System.
Content Chapters
The following chapters will provide a comprehensive overview of the various topics related to dependency matters. The content found in this education course is fashioned similar to the mandated Hearing Officer Pa.R.J.C.P.1182 pre-service online course and the Pennsylvania Dependency Benchbook. This version of the course allows you to move through the chapters and slides freely. This course was created to be interactive. You will see a variety of education methods used, including videos and participant activities throughout each chapter. Please note that some slides will require you to review all content before moving forward. For these slides, you may need to wait until the slide prompts you on what to do next. While this course was created for attorneys practicing in dependency proceedings, the content is relevant to anyone working with dependent children and their families.
- Welcome
- The Charge for Pennsylvania’s Dependency System
- Legal Representation
- The Role of Juvenile Court Hearing Officers
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Grief, Loss and Trauma
- Analyzing Child Safety
- Family Finding/Family Group Decision Making
- Visitation
- Reasonable Efforts
- Entering the Child Dependency System
- Shelter Care Hearing
- Adjudication Hearing
- Disposition Hearing
- Permanency Hearing
- Termination of Court Supervision
