Children and Families Matter
With more than 20 years of expertise in child welfare law, Renia has honed her skills and knowledge to provide high quality legal representation to her clients, as well as to provide consulting and training services to child welfare attorneys and professionals. She is a certified Child Welfare Law Specialist by the National Association of Counsel for Children in partnership with the American Bar Association.
Solutions for families
When families intersect with the court system, it is usually under high stress circumstances. This is particularly true when the Department of Human Services (DHS) is involved with allegations of abuse and neglect. Having a skilled advocate with extensive knowledge of the legal system, child welfare and state government can greatly assist in navigating the process of preserving the family, reunification of the children with the family, relative placement and permanency.
Because of the federally mandated timelines and high stakes involved in dependency-neglect cases, they are some of the most complex and critically important cases that come before the court. Having access to high quality legal representation can positively impact the outcome for the children and families involved in these cases.
CLient Advocacy & Litigation Services
If you or your family are involved in a dependency-neglect case, have a child in foster care or impacted by allegations of abuse or neglect, I can help. Let me assist you in navigating through the court and DHS process while protecting the rights of the family in alignment with the safety and well-being of the children who are the focus of the court case.
improving outcomes for children and families
Consulting &
Strategic Planning
Tough problems need strategic solutions. If you are in need of assistance with case analysis, program evaluation, strategic planning or visioning, my expertise can help you identify targeted goals and tangible outcomes. Bringing in a consultant is sometimes the best way to build consensus among diverse positions with differing viewpoints.
Professional &
Organizational Development
Knowledge, skills and abilities are critical building blocks for professionals and stakeholders to improve outcomes for children and families involved in child welfare proceedings. If you have training and development needs, I can create a curriculum that is tailored to the specific needs of your group. I have an extensive inventory of dynamic and engaging trainings or I can work with you to develop a new module.
Experience based in practice
- Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist by the National Association of Counsel for Children
- Certified Court Manager and Court Executive by the National Center for State Courts
- J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law
- Contracted with Arkansas Public Defender’s Commission Parent Counsel Program
- Former Director of the Arkansas Attorney Ad Litem Program
- Former Children’s Attorney and Appellate Services Attorney with the Arkansas Attorney Ad Litem Program
- Former Agency Attorney with the Office of Chief Counsel, Arkansas Department of Human Services
- Former Attorney with Legal Aid of Arkansas
- Former House Parent with Tommy Jones Emergency Receiving Shelter for Foster Youth
- Extensive Policy and Legislative Advocacy
- Served on Numerous Boards, Task Forces and Committees
- Frequent Speaker and Training Development for Attorneys, Judges, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Foster Parents and other Stakeholders at the State and National Level
Contact Information
Located in Central Arkansas