Advocating for Equality: Expert Insights on State Parentage Laws and Same-Sex Families
Monday, June 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. MST
(11:00 am Pacific, 1:00 pm Central, 2:00 pm Eastern)
Watch the recording from this FREE Webinar!
Description
In this dynamic and informative course, participants will delve into the legal landscape surrounding same-sex families and explore strategies for protecting the rights and interests of LGBTQ+ parents and their children. Led by seasoned attorneys with extensive experience in representing same-sex families, participants will gain invaluable insights into the complexities of state parentage laws and learn why updating these laws is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of children and families. Through an in-depth analysis of the report “Relationships at Risk: Why We Need to Update State Parentage Laws to Protect Children and Families,” attendees will uncover the challenges faced by same-sex families and discover practical solutions for navigating legal hurdles. Additionally, the course will cover important policy guidance from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) on same-sex parents and the child support program, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of relevant regulations and best practices. With engaging discussions, case studies, and interactive sessions, this course equips professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate effectively for equality and justice within the realm of family law.
Recording and Resources
Speakers
Nesta N. Johnson, Esq. (she/her/hers)
Family Law Staff Attorney, National Center for Lesbian Rights
Nesta joined NCLR in 2020, continuing a career focused on advocating for the rights of children and families, particularly in the child welfare arena. Before joining NCLR, Nesta served as a staff attorney with the Legal Aid Society, and later with the Children’s Law Center, in Brooklyn, New York.
Tanguler Gray (she/her/hers)
Commissioner, Office of Child Support Services, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
Prior to her appointment as Commissioner at OCSS, Tanguler Gray was a Deputy Commissioner in the Georgia Department of Human Services. She previously served as the Director for the Division of Child Support Services in Georgia, with over 26 years of leadership and child support experience there. Gray has served as a member of the board for the National Child Support Enforcement Association, including president and secretary, and served as a board member of the Eastern Regional Intergovernmental Child Support Association. She graduated from Valdosta State University and has a daughter and a son.
Darryl Watts (he/him/his)
Program Specialist, Division of Policy and Training, Office of Child Support Services, ACF/HHS
In his position as program specialist with the Division of Policy and Training within the Federal Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), Darryl provides policy guidance, technical assistance and training to states, tribes and other stakeholders ensuring program compliance of federal statutes and regulations, and program efficiency and effectiveness. Prior to joining OCSS in 2019, he worked for over 18 years in local and state administered child support programs in a variety of positions, including administrative and leadership roles.
Meg York (she/her/hers)
Director of LGBTQ+ Family Law and Policy and Senior Policy Counsel, Family Equality
In her roles, Meg advances a proactive agenda for LGBTQ+ family formation and protection.
Prior to joining Family Equality, Meg was a Professor of Law and Director of the Family Law Project at Vermont Law and Graduate School’s legal clinic. In addition to teaching substantive law, Meg won several cases that changed the legal landscape for all LGBTQ+ individuals in her state. Before her professorship, Meg worked as a family law attorney, representing clients in divorce, parentage, custody, and adoption proceedings, as well as representing children and parents in abuse and neglect cases. She also supported the specific legal needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Meg was named one of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s 40 Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers Under 40.
Meg is committed to providing high-quality legal advocacy to the most vulnerable, and to making legal protections available and accessible to all.
Julie Kruse (she/her), Moderator
Senior Advisor for LGBTQI+ Initiatives, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Julie Kruse is Senior Advisor for LGBTQI+ Initiatives at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She works to promote equitable services and policies towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, asexual, non-binary, gender diverse and Two-Spirit children, youth, young adults, parents, and families served by ACF and in the broader community.
Prior to joining ACF, Julie worked for 28 years at non-profit organizations providing direct services to and policy advocacy on behalf of low income women, girls, immigrants, families and LGBTQIA2S+ people. Julie holds a Master’s in Education from Northwestern University and a B.S. summa cum laude in Honors Biology from the University of Illinois. She chaired the Pay Equity Committee of the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women in Illinois.