Our Committees
The committees of the State Bar of Texas Child Protection Law Section are essential in supporting and enhancing the practice of law in the area of child welfare. By bringing together attorneys and judges from across the state, these committees focus on sharing best practices, providing educational resources, and offering networking opportunities that help strengthen the skills and knowledge of child welfare practitioners. Joining a committee allows legal professionals to collaborate, learn from one another, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of child protection law in Texas, all while supporting their colleagues in the field. It’s an opportunity to make a direct, positive impact on the practice of child welfare law statewide.
Appellate Representation Committee
The Appellate Representation Committee is dedicated to improving the quality and accessibility of appellate advocacy in child welfare law cases. The committee coordinates initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of qualified appellate attorneys and enhancing their knowledge and skills in this specialized area of law.
Awards Committee
The Awards Committee is responsible for managing the nomination and selection process for annual awards that recognize outstanding contributions to the field of child protection law. The Committee coordinates all aspects of the awards process, from soliciting nominations to selecting recipients and facilitating award presentations. Committee members are appointed annually by the Section Chair and serve a one-year term. The Committee is tasked with ensuring a fair, transparent, and timely process for identifying individuals who exemplify excellence, leadership, and service in the practice of child welfare law.
CLE Committee
The CLE Committee is responsible for developing and coordinating continuing legal education (CLE) programs that address current, relevant, and emerging issues in child protection law. These programs are designed to meet the educational needs of practitioners and support the broader mission of the State Bar of Texas. The Chair of the CLE Committee is appointed annually by the Section Chair and serves a one-year term. Through its efforts, the CLE Committee ensures that Section members have access to high-quality educational opportunities that promote excellence in the practice of child protection law.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee is responsible for ensuring timely, accurate, and effective communication between the Child Protection Law Section and its membership. The Committee plays a vital role in keeping members informed about Section initiatives, events, resources, and developments in child protection law.
Judicial Outreach Committee
The Judicial Outreach Committee is tasked with strengthening the relationship between the Child Protection Law Section and the judiciary across Texas. The Committee works to increase awareness of the Section’s mission, resources, and activities among trial court judges in both rural and metropolitan areas.
Justice Enhancement Committee
The Justice Enhancement Committee is dedicated to identifying, analyzing, and addressing issues that affect the fair and equitable treatment of children and families involved in the Texas child welfare system. The Committee works to improve outcomes by examining systemic barriers and promoting equitable policies and practices within the child welfare legal field.
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Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee monitors, reviews, and reports on proposed and enacted legislation relevant to the field of child protection law. The Committee serves as an informational resource for the Child Protection Law Section by identifying legislative developments that may impact the practice and administration of child protection law in Texas. In accordance with the State Bar of Texas Policy Manual, the Child Protection Law Section does not advocate for or against proposed legislation or governmental action at the state or federal level.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is responsible for monitoring and supporting the growth, retention, and engagement of the Child Protection Law Section’s membership. The Committee coordinates outreach strategies to attract new members and sustain active participation from current members.
Newsletter & Publications Committee
The Newsletter & Publications Committee is responsible for producing high-quality, informative communications that keep members of the Child Protection Law Section informed and engaged. The committee publishes at least two newsletters annually, distributed to all current Section members, and may also develop and disseminate additional publications relevant to the practice of child protection law.
Nominations Committee
In accordance with the Bylaws of the Child Protection Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, the Nominations Committee is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and recommending qualified candidates for officer and council positions within the Child Protection Law Section. Within 90 days after assuming office, the Chair will appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of five (5) individuals, including the Chair and Immediate Past-Chair, one elected Council member, and two other voting members of the Section. Members of the committee serve a one-year term, typically beginning at the Summer meeting.
Outreach & Event Support Committee
The Outreach & Event Support Committee is responsible for building relationships and securing sponsorships to support the programs, CLE, and events of the Child Protection Law Section. The committee also plans and coordinates hospitality efforts to foster a welcoming and engaging environment at Section events.
Scope Committee
The Scope Committee is responsible for evaluating the current direction of the Child Protection Law Section and assisting in strategic planning to ensure the Section effectively meets its goals and serves its membership. The committee provides guidance on the development, structure, and future initiatives of the Section to support its mission and long-term success.
The committee is chaired by the Section’s Vice-Chair, who serves a one-year term in alignment with their tenure as Vice-Chair.
Website Committee
The Website Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining a public-facing website that provides comprehensive and up-to-date information about the Child Protection Law Section. The committee ensures that the website effectively communicates the Section’s mission and activities, and serves as a reliable resource for both the public and Section members.