If your practice involves family or juvenile law you won’t want to miss this training opportunity with nationally and internationally recognized experts. This seminar is structured to allow participants to attend morning, mid-day, afternoon or a combination (2, 3 or 8 MCLE GAL) In addition to the generous SMBA member discount, scholarships are available to assist SMBA members with registration fees. (
application for fee assistance)
June 22, SMBA Office
Morning (9:30- noon)
Sexual Exploitation of Children: The Growing Epidemic – What GALs Need to Know
- Project Safe Childhood
- Warning signs, Reporting
- Examination and Interviewing
- Prosecution
- Treatment and Prevention
Ami Harshad Miller
Assistant United States Attorney, Western District of Missouri
Rachel N. Happel
MS, LPC, Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer, FBI - Office for Victim Assistance
J. D. Holdman
Special Agent, DHS/HSI
Lunch (noon- 2:00) Ethics and Professionalism for the GAL
- Special ethics considerations and tips for avoiding ethics landmines as a GAL
- Professionalism Tips from the Judge
- What to do (and what not to do) if an ethics complaint is filed against you
The Honorable Andy Hosmer
Kevin Rapp
As the southwest Missouri Special Representative to the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel as well as an active member of the bar and practicing attorney, Kevin Rapp has unique insight on the types of issues that lead to disciplinary complaints and suggestions on not only how to avoid them, but also what to expect If a disciplinary action is initiated. Judge Andy Hosmer brings years of experience both as 31st Circuit Juvenile Judge since 2014, and prior to that as an attorney practicing juvenile law. Judge Hosmer will share his observations and tips from the bench concerning professionalism for the GAL
Afternoon (2:00- 4:30) Understanding Special Education Law
- IDEA and section 504: Definitions and Distinctions
- Shared Custody/ Differing Opinions: When Parents Don’t Agree on Services or Accommodations
- Child with Problem Not a Problem Child: Understanding the Rights of Children With Disabilities under the IDEA
- Avoiding the School to Prison Pipeline
Lawrence Altman
Chantel Alberhasky
The afternoon speakers bring decades of experience in representing the children, families and schools in the special education arena. Larry Altman retired in 2016 as Special Education Lead Attorney and Compliance officer for the Kansas City Public Schools and the Title IX Coordinator for the School District. Prior to that, Altman maintained a private practice largely devoted to representing children with special education needs. Chantel Alberhasky was initially drawn to this field not as a lawyer, but as a parent. Alberhasky recently won an appeal to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, the court holding that district courts can not delegate authority to the IEP team to determine the remedy for a denial of a free appropriate public education.
