Tips on what to do before you go to a case conference

Here are some things you can do to prepare for a case conference:

• Talk with your lawyer about the issues that might come up. Include your advocate in these discussions, especially if he or she is experienced in child protection. Often the advocate can help the lawyer as well.
• You or your lawyer should get all the information about what the ministry wants to do and the ministry's reasons, as well as a summary of the information their witnesses will provide. (When the judge orders a case conference, he or she will order the ministry to give you any of this information that you do not already have.)
• Prepare to be actively involved. Most judges want parents to speak directly to them. Plan what you want to say to the judge, even if you have a lawyer.
• Think about any areas where you would be willing to compromise. Come prepared with suggestions of your own about how to keep your child safe.
• Be ready to show how you have been responsible in the past and how you plan to continue being so in the future.