Trial/Litigation Practice Tools and Resources

Administrative Forms and Resources

Appellate Packet for Trial Attorneys

• Notice of Appeal
• Motion for Appointment of Appellate Counsel
• Motion-for-Fees-and-Costs-of-Appeal-Sample
• Appellate Assignment Intake Form
• CAFL Appellate Guide for Trial Attorneys  (every trial attorney should read this to know what to expect for their appeal and steps to take going forward)

CAFL Performance Standards

CAFL Performance Standard 1.5 (revised June 2022, effective July 25, 2022)

Case Law

Courts/Court Rules/Rules of Procedure

DCF Policies and Procedures

A Guide to the New DCF Foster Care Review Policy and Regulations

DCF Policies and Regulations

Court Forms

• Juvenile Court Forms
• Probate and Family Court Forms

Court Investigators

• General Information
• Guidelines for Court Investigators

Education

• ESSA – Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015

Experts 

ICWA

• Office of Indian Services
• Practice Advisory January 2017: Child Welfare Proceedings Under the Indian Child Welfare Act: New Regulations in Effect
• New Guidelines for State Courts and Agencies– Issued December 2016

Single Justice Practice/Interlocutory Review (under c. 231, s. 118)

Mentor Program

• Initial Mentor/Mentee Meeting Certification
• Mentee Graduation Form
• Mentor Manual

Practice Tools

• • Child Welfare Terms – English to Spanish
  • DCF File Checklist
  • Foundations Card
  • Massachusetts Guide to Evidence
  • Memorandum of Understanding DCF and DHCD
  • Objections Card
  • Procedures Governing Intra-Departmental Transfers and Assignments
  • Trial Court Rule XII – Interdepartmental Judicial Assignments
  • Trial Notebook Checklist
  • Trial Notebook Checklist
  • Trial Skills Checklists
  • Trial Timeline Quick Guide
  • Witness Preparation Checklist

DCF Practice Guide – Youth/Young Adult Reconnection with Family After TPR

See all Professional Resources