Brain Frames: How Attorneys Can Engage Youth in Case Planning and Court Hearings

This ABA factsheet (2019) provides tips on how attorneys can meaningfully engage youth in foster care case planning and court hearings. The information is based on the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Brain Frames resources, which utilize adolescent brain research to help child welfare professionals create positive interactions with youth in foster care. It is essential for attorneys to listen to what youth want in order to support school stability, youth-driven case planning and decision making, and advocacy regarding academic services and extracurricular activities. Moreover, attorneys should educate their youth clients about extended foster care, high school graduation, and post-secondary opportunities.