children’s legal servicesmercy hermida, rizpah butler-brannon, cheryl lafferty objective 1.3.3: to...

Children’s Legal Services

Strategic Plan

Dear Colleagues and Stakeholders,

This Strategic Plan, the first ever developed by Children’s Legal Services (CLS), is dedicated to Bob Butterworth. It contains his vision for CLS to be a statewide law firm, focused on the needs of children in the dependency system. It is this powerful vision that enabled us to recruit a talented leadership team that drove the drafting of this plan and will drive the full implementation.

The strategic planning process was facilitated by Jim Sewell. Jim is a long time colleague of Bob Butterworth and a brilliant facilitator. He engaged not only the leadership of CLS, but the entire attorney staff. We owe Jim a great deal of thanks for assisting us with this project.

As you read the document you will see that responsibility is assigned to various attorneys in CLS. In addition to clearly assigned deliverables, we have established deadlines for implementation. These dates are best estimates of when we hope to achieve specific objectives and no doubt will be a moving target as we begin implementation of a very aggressive project.

We will be reviewing our progress at quarterly staff meetings. It is our desire to have input from our stakeholders regarding our implementation. This is our first draft and we look forward to your feedback. General Butterworth leaves a legacy of openness and transparency and it is our desire to be both.

When General Butterworth told me he would be leaving DCF, a part of me wanted to say, “Please stay awhile so we can cement your vision into practice”; instead I realized we should be saying “Thank you”. General Butterworth changed the public’s perception of DCF and Interim Secretary Sheldon will be here to lead us into the future. Now is our time to ensure the sustainability of General Butterworth’s legacy.

With warm regards,

Mary Cagle Statewide Director, Children’s Legal Services

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan

Vision: We envision Children’s Legal Services as Florida’s statewide law firm, leading the nation in advocacy in the care, safety, and protection of children and respected for its competence, dedication, and professional expertise. Mission: To advocate in the best interests of children to achieve permanency, stability, and security.

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan Goal 1: To achieve superior quality, efficiency, and innovation in the practice of law. Assigned Responsibility: John Traphofner, Deborah Schroth Strategy 1: Implement a process of continuous quality improvement.

Assigned Responsibility: Kelsey Burnette, Mary Kogut Lowell, George Lytle, Francine Turney

Objective 1.1.1: To ensure consistency of practice across the state. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Frances Childers, Kelsey Burnette, Mary Kogut Lowell, George Lytle, Francine Turney, Glen Boecher Objective 1.1.2: To establish written performance measures that focus on both quality and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations and Departmental policy. Target date: September 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Kelsey Burnette, Mary Kogut Lowell, George Lytle, Francine Turney Objective 1.1.3: To develop an on-going supervisory review process focusing on work quality. Target date: August 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Frances Childers, Kelsey Burnette, Mary Kogut Lowell, George Lytle, Francine Turney Objective 1.1.4: To promulgate a written statewide Children’s Legal Services quality improvement process involving all members of the firm. Target date: July 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Frances Childers, Kelsey Burnette, Mary Kogut Lowell, George Lytle, Francine Turney Objective 1.1.5: To provide mandatory, adequate and appropriate training on the Children’s Legal Services quality improvement process to all members of the firm. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Deborah Schroth, Robin Colson, Kelsey Burnette, Mary Kogut Lowell, George Lytle, Francine Turney Objective 1.1.6: To develop an on-going and periodic program of monitoring and evaluation focusing on quality and achievement. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Kelsey Burnette, Mary Kogut Lowell, George Lytle, Francine Turney

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan Goal 1: To achieve superior quality, efficiency, and innovation in the practice of law. Assigned Responsibility: John Traphofner, Deborah Schroth

Strategy 2: Ensure an effective, on-going process of legal education. Assigned Responsibility: Jani Singer, Michelle Cofino, Sandra Webster

Objective 1.2.1: To define the roles and responsibilities of the Deputy State Director for Training and the relationship with Regions and Circuits. Target date: July 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Tomea Sippio-Smith, Michelle Cofino, Michelle Perez, Rosa Carbonelle

Objective 1.2.2: To reestablish and update training curricula with a focus on litigation. Target date: September 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Deborah Schroth, Robin Colson, Cheryl Fuller, Tomea Sippio-Smith, Michelle Cofino, Michelle Perez, Rosa Carbonelle Objective 1.2.3: To reestablish and update paralegal training curricula to include Departmental orientation and overview and training in procedural aspects of litigation. Target date: March 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Deborah Schroth, Robin Colson, Tomea Sippio-Smith, Michelle Cofino, Michelle Perez, Rosa Carbonelle Objective 1.2.4: To create “desk reference” manuals for each Children’s Legal Services function (attorney, paralegal, secretary) that can be used as a reference tool (not a training/orientation tool). Target date: March 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Mercy Hermida, Cora Zettier Tomea Sippio-Smith, Michelle Cofino, Michelle Perez, Rosa Carbonelle

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Strategy 2: Ensure an effective, on-going process of legal education. Assigned Responsibility: Jani Singer, Michelle Cofino, Sandra Webster

Objective 1.2.5: To provide an annual Chapter 39 training update for attorneys and paralegals. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Tomea Sippio-Smith, Michelle Cofino, Michelle Perez, Rosa Carbonelle , Glen Boecher Objective 1.2.6: To provide funding for “in house” courses or access to outside courses to allow attorneys to meet Continuing Legal Education requirements and ensure proper training is received, particularly in remote areas. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Deborah Schroth, Tomea Sippio-Smith, Michelle Cofino, Michelle Perez, Rosa Carbonelle Objective 1.2.7: To ensure new employees, supervisors, and managing attorneys receive orientation and job skills training in a timely manner. Target date: September 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Robin Colson, Tomea Sippio-Smith, Michelle Cofino, Michelle Perez, Rosa Carbonelle, Glen Boecher Objective 1.2.8: To promulgate monthly and annual appellate law updates. Target date: July 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Jeff Gillen, Tomea Sippio-Smith, Michelle Cofino, Michelle Perez, Rosa Carbonelle

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Strategy 3: Create an environment which promotes innovative and non-traditional approaches to achieving our mission. Assigned Responsibility: Michael Hopkins, Mercy Hermida, Rizpah Butler-Brannon, Cheryl Lafferty

Objective 1.3.1: To enhance relationships between Children’s Legal Services and its partners to accomplish more effective problem-solving. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Michael Hopkins, Mercy Hermida, Rizpah Butler-Brannon, Cheryl Lafferty Objective 1.3.2: To provide enhanced problem-solving training for Children’s Legal Services and its partners. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Deborah Schroth, Robin Colson, Michael Hopkins, Mercy Hermida, Rizpah Butler-Brannon, Cheryl Lafferty Objective 1.3.3: To develop a reward system for recognizing and publicizing creativity and innovation. Target date: September 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Michael Hopkins, Mercy Hermida, Rizpah Butler-Brannon, Cheryl Lafferty Objective 1.3.4: To establish a formal working relationship with the Office of Strategic Planning and Innovation to develop and implement innovative practices. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Michael Hopkins, Mercy Hermida, Rizpah Butler-Brannon, Cheryl Lafferty Objective 1.3.5: To involve Children’s Legal Services in programs and services of the Department and Community Based Care lead agencies. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Michael Hopkins, Mercy Hermida, Rizpah Butler-Brannon, Cheryl Lafferty

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan Goal 2: To enhance public perception and trust by acting with integrity, competence, responsiveness, and dedication. Assigned Responsibility: Jeffrey Gillen, George Beckwith Strategy 1: Practice aggressive community outreach.

Assigned Responsibility: Barbara Dirienzo, David Elder, Bill Navas, Dane DiSano

Objective 2.1.1: To establish a Children’s Legal Services attorney speaker’s group to address community organizations and service clubs. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Ruth Thompson, Kelly Swartz, George Beckwith, Glen Boecher Objective 2.1.2: To develop a network through which Children’s Legal Services attorneys and staff can volunteer in their local communities, including at public events and child advocacy activities and on community boards of directors. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Sheila Hughes, Paula Adams, Dane DiSano Objective 2.1.3: To provide instruction at local law schools, colleges and universities, local high schools (particularly law magnet programs), police academies, and foster parent organizations. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Debbie Stafford, Pam Davis, Jeff Gillen, Glen Boecher Objective 2.1.4: To become members of and actively participate in local and state Bar associations, their committees, and their training. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Barbara Dirienzo, David Elder, George Beckwith, Jeff Gillen

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan Goal 2: To enhance public perception and trust by acting with integrity, competence, responsiveness, and dedication. Assigned Responsibility: Jeffrey Gillen, George Beckwith Strategy 1: Practice aggressive community outreach.

Assigned Responsibility: Barbara Dirienzo, David Elder, Bill Navas, Dane DiSano

Objective 2.1.5: To develop training/education for providers’ leadership and staff and participate in internal provider training sessions. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Bibian Ikeokwu, Tim Tyler, David Silverstein, Kelly Swartz Objective 2.1.6: To develop a closer working relationship with providers, including regular meetings with boards, leadership, and staff. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Barbara Dirienzo, Joye Clayton, Bill Navas, Regina Purcell Objective 2.1.7: To develop relationships with local media and educate them about the role of Children’s Legal Services. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: George Beckwith, Tim Tyler

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan Goal 2: To enhance public perception and trust by acting with integrity, competence, responsiveness, and dedication. Assigned Responsibility: Jeffrey Gillen, George Beckwith

Strategy 2: Ensure professionalism of firm members.

Objective 2.2.1: To ensure that all employees project a positive and professional attitude toward the work and objectives of the firm. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Joye Clayton, Kelsey Burnette, Jani Singer, Francine Turney, Michelle Silvaroli, Christine Lopez-Acevedo, David Rothamer Objective 2.2.2: To establish competitive parity among Children’s Legal Services offices and other statewide law firms. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Karen Brake, Christine Lopez-Acevedo, Monica Rey-Moran, David Rothamer Objective 2.2.3: To ensure adherence to professional standards of conduct. Target date: July 1, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Kelsey Burnette, Mariana Guibernau, Valarie Mead, Christine Lopez-Acevedo, David Rothamer

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan Goal 2: To enhance public perception and trust by acting with integrity, competence, responsiveness, and dedication. Assigned Responsibility: Jeffrey Gillen, George Beckwith

Strategy 3: Ensure commitment to and practice of our Guiding Principles.

Objective 2.3.1: Accountability: To ensure all staff takes responsibility for their actions. Target date: July 1, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Linda Spector, Kelsey Burnette, Jim Kirkpatrick Objective 2.3.2: Transparency: To be proactive in displaying candor and sharing information with the Court and the public. Target date: July 1, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Linda Spector, Kelsey Burnette, Jim Kirkpatrick Objective 2.3.3: Community Partnerships: To promote open dialogue and sharing of information between Children’s Legal Services and community partners. Target date: July 1, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Linda Spector, Kelsey Burnette, Jim Kirkpatrick Objective 2.3.4: Integrity: To maintain the highest level of ethical and professional conduct. Target date: July 1, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Linda Spector, Kelsey Burnette, Jim Kirkpatrick Objective 2.3.5: Leadership: To proactively pursue justice for children. Target date: July 1, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Linda Spector, Kelsey Burnette, Jim Kirkpatrick Objective 2.3.6: Orientation to Action: To ensure that urgent and important issues are identified, addressed, and resolved in a timely manner. Target date: July 1, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Linda Spector, Kelsey Burnette, Jim Kirkpatrick

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan Goal 3: To ensure effective use of resources and achieve consistent procedures and best practices. Assigned Responsibility: Karlene Cole-Palmer, DJ Cannava Strategy 1: Ensure that facilities and equipment meet the needs of the firm.

Assigned Responsibility: Sandra Webster, Annette Pitts Objective 3.1.1: To ensure each office throughout the state has functioning office equipment meeting an established standard. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Sandra Webster, Annette Pitts Objective 3.1.2: To ensure a safe, appropriate, and adequate working environment, secure for confidentiality, for all Children’s Legal Services staff. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Deb Bass, Sandra Webster, Annette Pitts Objective 3.1.3: To provide each attorney with a standard package of equipment, including a laptop, universal docking station, Blackberry, air cards, flash drives, preloaded software, and appropriate furniture. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: David Taylor, Sandra Webster, Annette Pitts, Barbara Dirienzo, Pilar Harris Objective 3.1.4: To enable quick file access thru a local server or other appropriate program. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Lamberto Abeleda, Sandra Webster, Annette Pitts Objective 3.1.5: To promote better file management utilizing an effective electronic tracking system, including scanning equipment for electronic filing. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: John Traphofner, Linda Roberts Objective 3.1.6: To provide support staff with a standard package of equipment including desktop computers, preloaded software, printer, telephone, and appropriate furniture. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Paulette Burke-Fraser, Sandra Webster, Annette Pitts

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan Goal 3: To ensure effective use of resources and achieve consistent procedures and best practices. Assigned Responsibility: Karlene Cole-Palmer, DJ Cannava Strategy 2: Ensure adequate training on equipment and technology.

Assigned Responsibility: John Traphofner

Objective 3.2.1: To provide ongoing, effective training on the use of office equipment, including copiers, phones, Blackberries, scanners, and laptops. Target date: September 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Keith Edwards, Barbara Dirienzo, Pilar Harris Objective 3.2.2: To provide ongoing, effective training on software programs, such as Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN), Case Tracking System, Aventail and Lotus Notes, on an individual or group basis. Target date: September 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Lamberto Abeleda, Barbara Dirienzo, Pilar Harris Objective 3.2.3: To have an identified and qualified information technology staff troubleshooter available to assist staff in a timely manner with technology equipment issues as they occur. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Linda Roberts, John Traphofner Objective 3.2.4: To ensure that multiple staff members are cross-trained on technology and equipment and provided an up-to-date training manual. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Keith Edwards, Frances Childers Objective 3.2.5: To provide up-to-date training on a Statewide basis for new technology. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Frances Childers, Lamberto Abeleda

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan Goal 3: To ensure effective use of resources and achieve consistent procedures and best practices. Assigned Responsibility: Karlene Cole-Palmer, DJ Cannava

Strategy 3: Ensure the financial integrity of this firm and maximize efficient use of public funds and resources, including human resources. Assigned Responsibility: Darrell Zabaldo, DJ Cannava, Linda Spector

Objective 3.3.1: To establish procedures governing service of legal documents. Target date: October 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: DJ Cannava. Larry Schur Objective 3.3.2: To increase use of electronic reports, decreasing the use of paper. Target date: December 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Mercy Hemilda, Lamberto Abeleda Objective 3.3.3: To encourage cross training and develop flexibility in performance of staff duties. Target date: January 1, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Darrell Zabaldo, DJ Cannava, Linda Spector Objective 3.3.4: To establish and maintain a statewide standard for ratio of support staff to attorneys. Target date: July 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Larry Schur, Darrell Zabaldo, DJ Cannava, Linda Spector

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan Goal 3: To ensure effective use of resources and achieve consistent procedures and best practices. Assigned Responsibility: Karlene Cole-Palmer, DJ Cannava

Strategy 3: Ensure the financial integrity of this firm and maximize efficient use of public funds and resources, including human resources. Assigned Responsibility: Darrell Zabaldo, DJ Cannava, Linda Spector

Objective 3.3.5: To clarify the responsibilities of attorneys and support staff and minimize non-legal work done by attorneys. Target date: July 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Charlanne Bullard, Darrell Zabaldo, DJ Cannava, Linda Spector Objective 3.3.7: To develop a system to enhance the communication between Children’s Legal Services, Child Protective Investigators, and Case Managers, including providing appropriate training. Target date: September 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Andrew Hazley, Darrell Zabaldo, DJ Cannava, Linda Spector Objective 3.3.8: To procure additional funding, such as Federal and private grants, within the Department’s legal authority, to enhance the quality of service to children. Target date: December 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Larry Schur, DJ Cannava, Darrell Zabaldo, Barbara Dirienzo, Pilar Harris Objective 3.3.9: To regularly examine Children’s Legal Services business practices and procedures to maximize the use of fiscal resources. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Larry Schur, DJ Cannava, Darrell Zabaldo, Barbara Dirienzo, Pilar Harris

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Goal 3: To ensure effective use of resources and achieve consistent procedures and best practices. Assigned Responsibility: Karlene Cole-Palmer, DJ Cannava

Strategy 4: Ensure the effective integration of information technology into the mission and activities of the firm. Assigned Responsibility: Jeffrey Gillen, Michael Lee

Objective 3.4.1: To ensure that all software and hardware meets a statewide standard which can support the needs of Children’s Legal Services. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Geoffrey Woodby, David Noll, Augustina Partyka Objective 3.4.2: To work in conjunction with the Office of Information Technology Services to ensure the optimal use of software programs for Children’s Legal Services. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Geoffrey Woodby, David Noll, Augustina Partyka Objective 3.4.3: To ensure that all software programs and databases are uniform and accessible among Children’s Legal Services Circuit offices. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Lamberto Abeleda, Geoffrey Woodby, David Noll Objective 3.4.4: To enhance electronic communication among Children’s Legal Services, the courts, and other entities, including access to juvenile court records and dockets. Target date: December 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Lamberto Abeleda, Geoffrey Woodby, David Noll, Augustina Partyka, , Barbara Dirienzo, Pilar Harris



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Goal 3: To ensure effective use of resources and achieve consistent procedures and best practices. Assigned Responsibility: Karlene Cole-Palmer, DJ Cannava

Strategy 4: Ensure the effective integration of information technology into the mission and activities of the firm. Assigned Responsibility: Jeffrey Gillen, Michael Lee

Objective 3.4.5: To ensure the effectiveness and applicability of Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN) to Children’s Legal Services practices. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Lamberto Abeleda, Geoffrey Woodby, David Noll, Augustina Partyka Objective 3.4.6: To implement a system by which Children’s Legal Services employees are able to work from anywhere (e.g., home or court). Target date: September 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Geoffrey Woodby, David Noll, Augustina Partyka, Barbara Dirienzo, Pilar Harris Objective 3.4.7: To ensure confidentiality and work product are not compromised by the use of electronic communication. Target date: January 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Geoffrey Woodby, David Noll, Augustina Partyka, , Barbara Dirienzo, Pilar Harris Objective 3.4.8: To ensure that all Children’s Legal Services staff have access to Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN) and other necessary databases. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Lamberto Abeleda, Geoffrey Woodby, David Noll, Augustina Partyka

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Goal 4: To recruit and retain highly qualified individuals who understand and embrace our vision, values, and mission. Assigned Responsibility: Bronwyn Stanford, Esther Jacobo

Strategy 1: Develop effective leadership, management, and decision-making throughout this firm. Assigned Responsibility: Mary Kogut Lowell, Jani Singer, Michael Lee, Stacey Blume, Robin Molan, Bernadette Noe

Objective 4.1.1: To implement standardized, statewide training programs for new hires and existing attorneys specifically in the areas of leadership and management. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Karen Jordan, George Gardener, George Lytle Objective 4.1.2: To create regularly scheduled firm meetings by Region and/or by Circuit that include attorneys and support staff. Target date: December 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Stacey Blume, Robin Molan, Bernadette Noe, Paulette Burke-Fraser Objective 4.1.3: To review and improve conflict resolution with providers to establish consistency, collaboration, efficiency and clearly define Children’s Legal Services as final legal decision maker. Target date: March 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Kirsten Curry, Katie Brown, Stacey Blume, Robin Molan


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Goal 4: To recruit and retain highly qualified individuals who understand and embrace our vision, values, and mission. Assigned Responsibility: Bronwyn Stanford, Esther Jacobo

Strategy 1: Develop effective leadership, management, and decision-making throughout this firm. Assigned Responsibility: Mary Kogut Lowell, Jani Singer, Michael Lee, Stacey Blume, Robin Molan, Bernadette Noe

Objective 4.1.4: To revamp the existing employee performance review and goal setting process. Target date: January 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Patricia Wright, Bronwyn Stanford, Debra Bass, Dianne Billington Objective 4.1.5: To increase participation by Children’s Legal Services in permanency planning. Target Date: September 30, 2008


Assigned Responsibility: Angela Holck, Jana Malen, Cheryl Fuller, David Taylor Objective 4.1.6: To create and utilize memoranda of understanding with Community Based Care lead agencies that are consistent on a statewide basis. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Elizabeth Miller, Lisa Dawson, Bernadette Burke, Paulette Burke-Fraser

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Children’s Legal Services Strategic Plan Goal 4: To recruit and retain highly qualified individuals who understand and embrace our vision, values, and mission. Assigned Responsibility: Bronwyn Stanford, Esther Jacobo

Strategy 2: Provide an environment which supports professional growth and development. Assigned Responsibility: Pilar Harris, Barbara Dirienzo, Mercy Hemilda, Deborah Schroth

Objective 4.2.1: To create and implement a Children’s Legal Services attorney, paralegal, and support staff mentor /shadow program consistent throughout the State and utilizing Children’s Legal Services from any Region. Target date: March 1, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Mercy Hermida, Rizpah Butler Brannon, Cheryl Lafferty, Pilar Harris, Roberta Katz, Debra Gotlib and Diana Tual Objective 4.2.2: To establish a bank of professionals with specialized knowledge who are accessible to all attorneys throughout the State. Target date: March 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Pilar Harris, Patrice Paldino, Aurora Medina and Heather Cherepkai, Karen Goddard Objective 4.2.3: To create statewide web-based communication tools for sharing information on successes, legal issues, challenges, recognition, leadership and management with a focus on innovation and best practices. Target date: June 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Deborah Schroth, Luciana Dias, OMC Hilda Kranwinkel, Kristen Valent Objective 4.2.4: To establish a formalized certification program for all Children’s Legal Services attorneys and support staff. Target date: December 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Deborah Schroth, Barbara Dirienzo, Jennifer Krassey and Ruth Mandiche, Kelly Swartz, Joyce Perkins, Michele Silvaroli Objective 4.2.5: To create sabbatical, alternative assignment, and agency cross-training opportunities for attorneys. Target date: December 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Rebecca Beddow, Joy Whitney, Jennifer Krassey

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Strategy 3: Ensure an environment that empowers firm members to “do the right thing” in the best interest of the child. Assigned Responsibility: Annette Pitts, Linda Spector, David Elder, Jani Singer

Objective 4.3.1: To create a protocol whereby adverse rulings, challenges and other issues are disclosed and discussed in a timely and non-punitive manner. Target date: March 1, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: David Elder, Debbie Stafford, Donna Thames and Tricia Meisner, Stacey Blume, Cathi Graham, Robin Molan Objective 4.3.2: To create an attorney education module focused on the specifics of available community services, programs, and benefits for children and families. Target date: September 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Kevin Caldwell, Thomas Turcotte, Charlanne Bullard, Tomea Sippio-Smith, Robin Molan, Vladmir Garcia Objective 4.3.3: To encourage, track and provide increased attorney interaction with children, including speaking with age appropriate children prior to their court hearing, encouraging them to be in court, and engaging them in their case planning. Target date: September 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Tomea Sippio-Smith, Robin Molan, Vladmir Garcia, Stacey Blume, Cathi Graham, Tricia Meisner Objective 4.3.4: To create and communicate a time-sensitive procedure to educate Children’s Legal Services attorneys about initiating emergency appellate response. Target date: December 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Brian Gillis, Bill Isaacs, Cathi Graham

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Strategy 4: Ensure that the firm has in place a proactive personnel administration system, focusing on recruitment, selection, retention, promotion, and recognition of its members. Assigned Responsibility: Mary Kogut Lowell, Natalie Gibson, Joy Clayton

Objective 4.4.1: To establish national recruiting efforts through advertising, partnerships with law schools, job fairs, community groups, externship programs and open houses. Target date: December 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Bronwyn Stanford, Esther Jacobo, Debra Bass, Amanda Browning Objective 4.4.2: To review and improve the Children’s Legal Services Benefits Brochure for recruiting purposes. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Debra Bass, Jim Jessel Objective 4.4.3: To improve adherence to and distribute best practices and procedures regarding hiring, promoting, and interviewing. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Debra Bass, Bronwyn Stanford, Esther Jacobo Objective 4.4.4: To create a statewide flex time/flex week and job share program for employees. Target date: December 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Tony Deluccia, Thomas Robinson, Jana Malen, Kirsten Teaney Objective 4.4.5: To establish a flexible and meaningful loan forgiveness program for Children’s Legal Services attorneys. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Bill Isaacs, Jennifer Kratochvil, Lori Thomaselli

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Strategy 4: Ensure that the firm has in place a proactive personnel administration system, focusing on recruitment, selection, retention, promotion, and recognition of its members. Assigned Responsibility: Mary Kogut Lowell, Natalie Gibson, Joy Clayton

Objective 4.4.6: To create clearly defined advancement opportunities and pay scale system for attorneys interested in both management and non-management career tracks. Target date: June 30, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Maureen Keogh, Debra Bass, Brian Gillis, Sandy Webster Objective 4.4.7: To formalize an ongoing award/reward system focusing on local community as well as statewide recognition. Target date: September 30, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Amanda Browning, Michael Lee, Natalie Gibson Objective 4.4.8: To create and implement an employee satisfaction survey, exit interviews, and upper management visits/feedback sessions. Target date: March 31, 2008 Assigned Responsibility: Amanda Browning, Theresa Sawyer, Natalie Gibson Objective 4.4.9: To review and enhance the Children’s Legal Services internship program. Target date: March 31, 2009 Assigned Responsibility: Bronwyn Stanford, Esther Jacobo, Larry Scher

children’s legal servicesmercy hermida, rizpah butler-brannon, cheryl lafferty objective 1.3.3: to...

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