Significant changes to child welfare, and DCF procedures in particular, resulted from the 2021 Legislative session.  

This training provides an overview of the changes that go into effect October 1, 2021 from Senate Bill 80/House Bill 1473 (now Chapter Law 2021-169) and how GAL advocacy is impacted by these statutory changes.  This training is highly encouraged for all staff but mandatory for Leadership, CAMs, and Attorneys.  

Moderator :  Deborah Lacombe / Guardian ad Litem Special Counsel  

Presenters/Panelists:  

  • Laurie Blades / Director of Child Behavioral Health Advocacy
  • Michelle Blume, Esq. / Program Attorney, Circuit 13
  • Michelle Canaday / Circuit Director, Circuit 15 
  • Donald Frenette, Esq. / Assistant General Counsel
  • Natalie Frietas, Esq. / Senior Program Attorney, Circuit 11
  • Ryan Johnson, Esq. / Senior Program Attorney, Circuit 5
  • Deborah Lacombe / Guardian ad Litem Special Counsel
  • Thomasina Moore, Esq. / Statewide Director of Appeals & Pro Bono Initiatives
  • Ginger Rockey-Johnson / Child Advocate Manager, Teen Unit , Circuit 13
  • Kristen Solomon, Esq. CPM / Guardian ad Litem Statewide Director of Operations


Original Webinar Date:  October 1, 2021

OPTIMA training topic, notes & certification domain (for GAL Volunteers and Staff): 

  • VOLUNTEERS: "Legal Issues", please specify in Optima training notes "Implementation of SB 80" .
  • GAL STAFF:  "Staff Development", please specify in Optima training notes "Implementation of SB 80" .
  • CERTIFICATION DOMAIN:  Legal, Ethical and Professional Responsibilities


CLEs Pending



* This training was presented by the Guardian ad Litem SB 80 Workgroup *

Please email [email protected] with any questions on this material.

What to expect?

Highlights of SB 80/HB 1473 (now Chapter Law 2021-169) and its impact on GAL advocacy including:

  • Increase protections and consistency in out-of-home care

  • Have more meaningful planning through multi-disciplinary teams

  • Have better planned educational or placement transitions

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Implementation of SB 80

    • Course Introduction & Presentation Order

    • PART 1: Welcome, Overview of SB 80 & Facesheets

    • PART 2: Impact on Advocacy for Teens

    • PART 3: Legislature to Reinstatement of Parental Rights

    • PART 4: Placement of Children

    • PART 5: Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) & Transition Plans

    • PART 6: Sibling Advocacy

    • PART 7: Moving Forward & Closing Remarks

    • Quiz