Lunch & Learn – From System Involved to System Changing: The Power of Parent Advocates in Child Welfare Cases
The Colorado Office of Respondents’ Parents’ Counsel partners with social workers, family advocates, and parent advocates to provide holistic, interdisciplinary support to families navigating dependency and neglect cases. This presentation will explore the distinct roles of these three advocacy positions, how they support families at every stage of a case, and the power of effective collaboration within family defense teams. The session will feature the lived and professional expertise of two Parent Advocates, whose experiences bring depth and insight to this work. Through their stories, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the critical role advocates play in strengthening parent voice, promoting dignity, and improving outcomes for families.
Presenters: Kelli Nagel, Carrie Ann Lucas Civil Rights Director, Office of Respondent Parents’ Counsel Nathaniel Bustamante, Parent Advocate Kylie Tunget, Parent Advocate Joe Stroh, Director of Parent Advocacy, Office of Respondent Parents’ Counsel