ADVANCED DEPENDENCY, NEGLECT, & ABUSE (DNA) TRAINING
Initial AOC-Provided Training
Before receiving any court appointments in cases under KRS Chapter 199 (Adoption), KRS Chapter 620 (Dependency, Neglect, and Abuse), or KRS Chapter 625 (Termination of Parental Rights), attorneys must complete the required DNA training provided by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Continuing Education and Training Requirements
After completing initial training, attorneys must complete a minimum of four hours of relevant training every two years to remain eligible for appointments. This training can be legal education or multi-disciplinary education covering:
- Current law and improved practice in DNA and TPR proceedings
- Child development (early childhood through adolescence)
- Trauma-informed care and approaches
- Substance abuse disorders
- Child welfare forensics
- Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Other matters related to practice under KRS Chapters 199, 600, and 625
Attorneys who want to serve on a Dependency, Neglect, and Abuse (DNA) panel in Kentucky must meet training requirements established by the Kentucky Supreme Court in Family Court Rules of Procedure and Practice (FCRPP) Rule 37.
Attorneys must provide proof of completed training to the appointing authority in each Circuit or District where they seek appointments.
May 6, 2026 at 12:00PM - Virtually by Zoom
Jill Gay, MSW, LISW-S, LCSW
Chief Program Officer
Family Nurturing Center
The Attorney's Role Beyond Litigation: Dependency, Neglect and Abuse Cases
Complimentary CLE/CEU Session
Attorney CLE Accreditation in Kentucky
1.0 KY Social Work CEUs provided by Family Nurturing Center
Summary
This workshop provides key information for attorneys, prosecutors, and judges working in dependency, neglect, and abuse court. Information presented will include practical tools to support trauma-informed courtroom practices while upholding child safety and legal integrity. Participants will explore how trauma affects children, parents, and professionals within the child welfare system, and how traditional adversarial approaches can unintentionally retraumatize families. The workshop is designed to emphasize strategies for trauma-sensitive approaches, effective collaboration with multidisciplinary partners, bias awareness, and courtroom practices that promote safety, dignity, and healing.
Objectives
- Understand how to balance child safety, family preservation or connection, and legal standards
- Develop discernment to reduce unnecessary harm and re-traumatization
- How to promote reasonable efforts and service alignment that is trauma informed
- Structure case decision making around child well-being, healing, and connection