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2025 Maryland Child Support Symposium
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Thursday, April 3
 

1:10pm EDT

Breakout Session: A. Income Determination & Modification
Thursday April 3, 2025 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
Training Room 236
This breakout session will introduce participants to various methods used to establish income for parties to a child support case.  Resources available to the Child Support Administration will be explored along with techniques for interpreting available financial information and how to deal with situations where traditional financial data is unavailable.  In addition, the session will explore the process of evaluating requests for modification of a child support obligation.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Lee

Elizabeth Lee

Assistant Attorney General, Maryland Office of the Attorney General
ELIZABETH A. LEE is an Assistant Attorney General with the State of Maryland, serving as the Lead Attorney for the Howard County Department of Social Services, Child Support Unit. She has over 30 years of family law experience, 29 of those years have been with the Child Support Administration... Read More →
avatar for Laura Walker

Laura Walker

Family Magistrate, Circuit Court for Harford County
LAURA WALKER has been a Family Magistrate in Harford County since February 2018.  Laura is a graduate of the paralegal program at Villa Julie (now Stevenson University), the University of Baltimore jurisprudence program and the University of Baltimore School of Law.  During law... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
Training Room 236
  Breakout Session II

1:10pm EDT

Breakout Session: B. Enforcement
Thursday April 3, 2025 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
Training Room 237
This presentation will discuss the enforcement options available for child support orders registered with the Child Support Administration (“CSA”). Presenters will explain the agency’s administrative tools available to enforce a child support obligation, many of which are automated by the CSA’s case management computer system known as the Child Support Management System. The presentation will review the procedure for an obligor to challenge some of these administrative functions including administrative appeals to Circuit Court. There will be a thorough explanation of constructive civil contempt actions, which are the most widely used judicial enforcement tools. There will be a review of the directions provided in Md. Rule 15-207(e) and best practices from a Title IV-D attorneys’ perspective. You will learn about criminal contempt proceedings as well as actions that local agency offices may take against worker’s compensation benefits and personal injury awards.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Caffrey

Jennifer Caffrey

Assistant Attorney General & Chief Supervising Attorney, Maryland Office of the Attorney General
JEN CAFFREY graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2009.  After graduation, she clerked for a succession of brilliant Circuit Court Judges in Baltimore City until - in early 2011 - she was hired as an Assistant Public Defender in the post- conviction unit.  She... Read More →
avatar for Brittany Favazza

Brittany Favazza

Assistant Attorney General, Maryland Office of the Attorney General
BRITTANY FAVAZZA serves as an Assistant Attorney General in the Maryland Attorney's Office. She graduated, with honors, from the University of Baltimore School of Law, after obtaining a Bachelor of Science from Lock Haven University. She began her career at a small law firm representing... Read More →
avatar for Mark Tyler

Mark Tyler

Family Magistrate, Circuit Court for Somerset County
MARK TYLER has just completed his first year serving as a Family and Juvenile Magistrate for the First Judicial Circuit of Maryland, where he handles domestic, juvenile delinquency, child welfare and truancy cases primarily in Somerset County and also in Wicomico County. He also handles... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
Training Room 237
  Breakout Session II

1:10pm EDT

Breakout Session: C. Resources & Problem Solving
Thursday April 3, 2025 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
Training Room 238
This breakout session will provide participants with information on developing and operating an employment program for non-custodial parents who are unemployed, or under-employed, and not paying on their child support order.  The session will explore the types of resources necessary to operate a program and where jurisdictions may be able to find those resources, even in smaller, more rural areas of the State.  The session will also include a discussion on how jurisdictions can motivate non-custodial parents to seek and maintain employment, how programs can assist program participants to overcome barriers to employment, and how to deal with program participants with substance use disorders, mental health and other medical issues, and those who lack the necessary education and skills to become employed.
Moderator
avatar for Hon. Stephanie Porter

Hon. Stephanie Porter

Judge, Circuit Court for Howard County
STEPHANIE P. PORTER was appointed to be a Judge in the Circuit Court for Howard County in January of 2022 and presides over criminal, civil and family law matters, including bench and jury trials.  Prior to her appointment as a Judge, Judge Porter was a Magistrate for the Circuit... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Gabriel

Lisa Gabriel

Chief Court Employment Coordinator, Circuit Court for Baltimore County
LISA GABRIEL is the Chief Court Employment Coordinator for the Family Employment and Support Program (FESP) – Circuit Court for Baltimore County.  FESP is a court-supervised program that provides employment assistance and supportive services to non-custodial parents with active... Read More →
avatar for Hon. John O. Hennegan

Hon. John O. Hennegan

Senior Judge, Circuit Court for Baltimore County
JOHN OWEN HENNEGAN, Associate Judge, Baltimore County Circuit Court, 3rd Judicial Circuit, January 17, 1992 to November 8, 2009. Retired November 8, 2009. Senior Judge since 2009. Presiding Judge, Juvenile Drug Court Program. Member, Public Awareness Committee, 2001-05, 2006-09, Maryland... Read More →
avatar for Harrison Johnson

Harrison Johnson

Resource Coordinator Supervisor, Baltimore City Office of Child Support
HARRISON JOHNSON JR. joined the Baltimore City Office of Child Support Services in September of 2021 as an Intake Specialist. In July of 2022 Harrison was promoted to Resource Coordinator Supervisor where he works with coordinators through Community partnerships to offer Employment... Read More →
avatar for Lori Keel

Lori Keel

Director, Baltimore City Office of Child Support
For the past four years, LORI KEEL has been the Executive Director for the Baltimore City Office of Child Support Services run by Veritas HHS. Prior to that Lori worked for the State of Maryland for over thirty years. Lori was the Director for the Baltimore County Office of Child... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
Training Room 238
  Breakout Session II

2:00pm EDT

Break
Thursday April 3, 2025 2:00pm - 2:10pm EDT
Thursday April 3, 2025 2:00pm - 2:10pm EDT

2:10pm EDT

Breakout Session: A. Income Determination & Modification
Thursday April 3, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
Training Room 236
This breakout session will introduce participants to various methods used to establish income for parties to a child support case.  Resources available to the Child Support Administration will be explored along with techniques for interpreting available financial information and how to deal with situations where traditional financial data is unavailable.  In addition, the session will explore the process of evaluating requests for modification of a child support obligation.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Lee

Elizabeth Lee

Assistant Attorney General, Maryland Office of the Attorney General
ELIZABETH A. LEE is an Assistant Attorney General with the State of Maryland, serving as the Lead Attorney for the Howard County Department of Social Services, Child Support Unit. She has over 30 years of family law experience, 29 of those years have been with the Child Support Administration... Read More →
avatar for Laura Walker

Laura Walker

Family Magistrate, Circuit Court for Harford County
LAURA WALKER has been a Family Magistrate in Harford County since February 2018.  Laura is a graduate of the paralegal program at Villa Julie (now Stevenson University), the University of Baltimore jurisprudence program and the University of Baltimore School of Law.  During law... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
Training Room 236
  Breakout Session III

2:10pm EDT

Breakout Session: B. Enforcement
Thursday April 3, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
Training Room 237
This presentation will discuss the enforcement options available for child support orders registered with the Child Support Administration (“CSA”). Presenters will explain the agency’s administrative tools available to enforce a child support obligation, many of which are automated by the CSA’s case management computer system known as the Child Support Management System. The presentation will review the procedure for an obligor to challenge some of these administrative functions including administrative appeals to Circuit Court. There will be a thorough explanation of constructive civil contempt actions, which are the most widely used judicial enforcement tools. There will be a review of the directions provided in Md. Rule 15-207(e) and best practices from a Title IV-D attorneys’ perspective. You will learn about criminal contempt proceedings as well as actions that local agency offices may take against worker’s compensation benefits and personal injury awards.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Caffrey

Jennifer Caffrey

Assistant Attorney General & Chief Supervising Attorney, Maryland Office of the Attorney General
JEN CAFFREY graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2009.  After graduation, she clerked for a succession of brilliant Circuit Court Judges in Baltimore City until - in early 2011 - she was hired as an Assistant Public Defender in the post- conviction unit.  She... Read More →
avatar for Brittany Favazza

Brittany Favazza

Assistant Attorney General, Maryland Office of the Attorney General
BRITTANY FAVAZZA serves as an Assistant Attorney General in the Maryland Attorney's Office. She graduated, with honors, from the University of Baltimore School of Law, after obtaining a Bachelor of Science from Lock Haven University. She began her career at a small law firm representing... Read More →
avatar for Mark Tyler

Mark Tyler

Family Magistrate, Circuit Court for Somerset County
MARK TYLER has just completed his first year serving as a Family and Juvenile Magistrate for the First Judicial Circuit of Maryland, where he handles domestic, juvenile delinquency, child welfare and truancy cases primarily in Somerset County and also in Wicomico County. He also handles... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
Training Room 237
  Breakout Session III

2:10pm EDT

Breakout Session: C. Resources & Problem Solving
Thursday April 3, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
Training Room 238
This breakout session will provide participants with information on developing and operating an employment program for non-custodial parents who are unemployed, or under-employed, and not paying on their child support order.  The session will explore the types of resources necessary to operate a program and where jurisdictions may be able to find those resources, even in smaller, more rural areas of the State.  The session will also include a discussion on how jurisdictions can motivate non-custodial parents to seek and maintain employment, how programs can assist program participants to overcome barriers to employment, and how to deal with program participants with substance use disorders, mental health and other medical issues, and those who lack the necessary education and skills to become employed.
Moderator
avatar for Hon. Stephanie Porter

Hon. Stephanie Porter

Judge, Circuit Court for Howard County
STEPHANIE P. PORTER was appointed to be a Judge in the Circuit Court for Howard County in January of 2022 and presides over criminal, civil and family law matters, including bench and jury trials.  Prior to her appointment as a Judge, Judge Porter was a Magistrate for the Circuit... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Gabriel

Lisa Gabriel

Chief Court Employment Coordinator, Circuit Court for Baltimore County
LISA GABRIEL is the Chief Court Employment Coordinator for the Family Employment and Support Program (FESP) – Circuit Court for Baltimore County.  FESP is a court-supervised program that provides employment assistance and supportive services to non-custodial parents with active... Read More →
avatar for Hon. John O. Hennegan

Hon. John O. Hennegan

Senior Judge, Circuit Court for Baltimore County
JOHN OWEN HENNEGAN, Associate Judge, Baltimore County Circuit Court, 3rd Judicial Circuit, January 17, 1992 to November 8, 2009. Retired November 8, 2009. Senior Judge since 2009. Presiding Judge, Juvenile Drug Court Program. Member, Public Awareness Committee, 2001-05, 2006-09, Maryland... Read More →
avatar for Harrison Johnson

Harrison Johnson

Resource Coordinator Supervisor, Baltimore City Office of Child Support
HARRISON JOHNSON JR. joined the Baltimore City Office of Child Support Services in September of 2021 as an Intake Specialist. In July of 2022 Harrison was promoted to Resource Coordinator Supervisor where he works with coordinators through Community partnerships to offer Employment... Read More →
avatar for Lori Keel

Lori Keel

Director, Baltimore City Office of Child Support
For the past four years, LORI KEEL has been the Executive Director for the Baltimore City Office of Child Support Services run by Veritas HHS. Prior to that Lori worked for the State of Maryland for over thirty years. Lori was the Director for the Baltimore County Office of Child... Read More →
Thursday April 3, 2025 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
Training Room 238
  Breakout Session III

3:00pm EDT

Break
Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 3:10pm EDT
Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 3:10pm EDT
 
Friday, April 4
 

8:00am EDT

Registration & Continental Breakfast
Friday April 4, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Training Rooms 131-134
Friday April 4, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Training Rooms 131-134

9:00am EDT

Welcome & Opening Remarks
Friday April 4, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
Training Rooms 131-133
Welcoming remarks from Chief Justice of the Maryland Supreme Court, Matthew J. Fader, the Honorable Cathy Serrette, Chair of the Domestic Law Committee, and the Honorable Julia Weatherly, Chair of the Child Support Workgroup.  
Speakers
avatar for Hon. Stephanie Porter

Hon. Stephanie Porter

Judge, Circuit Court for Howard County
STEPHANIE P. PORTER was appointed to be a Judge in the Circuit Court for Howard County in January of 2022 and presides over criminal, civil and family law matters, including bench and jury trials.  Prior to her appointment as a Judge, Judge Porter was a Magistrate for the Circuit... Read More →
Friday April 4, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
Training Rooms 131-133
  Plenary

9:30am EDT

Plenary I - A Problem Solving Approach to Child Support
Friday April 4, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Training Rooms 131-133
A Problem Solving Approach to Child Support
Speakers
avatar for Mark Tyler

Mark Tyler

Family Magistrate, Circuit Court for Somerset County
MARK TYLER has just completed his first year serving as a Family and Juvenile Magistrate for the First Judicial Circuit of Maryland, where he handles domestic, juvenile delinquency, child welfare and truancy cases primarily in Somerset County and also in Wicomico County. He also handles... Read More →
Friday April 4, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Training Rooms 131-133
  Plenary

10:15am EDT

Plenary II - Legislative Updates
Friday April 4, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
Legislative Updates
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Caffrey

Jennifer Caffrey

Assistant Attorney General & Chief Supervising Attorney, Maryland Office of the Attorney General
JEN CAFFREY graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2009.  After graduation, she clerked for a succession of brilliant Circuit Court Judges in Baltimore City until - in early 2011 - she was hired as an Assistant Public Defender in the post- conviction unit.  She... Read More →
Friday April 4, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
  Plenary

10:30am EDT

Break
Friday April 4, 2025 10:30am - 10:45am EDT
Friday April 4, 2025 10:30am - 10:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

Breakout Session: A. Modification of Child Support: What Works and What Can We Do Better?
Friday April 4, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Training Room 236
An overview of how a party obtains assistance from the Child Support Administration to modify an existing child support obligation and a discussion of best practices.
Friday April 4, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Training Room 236
  Breakout Session I

10:45am EDT

Breakout Session: B. Best Practices in Establishment
Friday April 4, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Training Room 237
This presentation will discuss the enforcement options available for child support orders registered with the Child Support Administration (“CSA”). Presenters will explain the agency’s administrative tools available to enforce a child support obligation, many of which are automated by the CSA’s case management computer system known as the Child Support Management System. The presentation will review the procedure for an obligor to challenge some of these administrative functions including administrative appeals to Circuit Court. There will be a thorough explanation of constructive civil contempt actions, which are the most widely used judicial enforcement tools. There will be a review of the directions provided in Md. Rule 15-207(e) and best practices from a Title IV-D attorneys’ perspective. You will learn about criminal contempt proceedings as well as actions that local agency offices may take against worker’s compensation benefits and personal injury awards.
Speakers
avatar for Samantha Phillips-Chester

Samantha Phillips-Chester

Director, Prince George's County Office of Child Support
SAMANTHA PHILLIPS-CHESTER is currently the Director for Prince George’s County office of child support.  With over 15 years of collections and legal experience, she is responsible for overseeing the business processes for the 2nd largest jurisdiction in the state of Maryland... Read More →
Friday April 4, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Training Room 237
  Breakout Session I

11:45am EDT

Breakout Session: C. Providing Positive Change to Overcoming Obligor Obstacles
Friday April 4, 2025 11:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Training Room 238
Many obligors face barriers to paying child support, such as unemployment, substance abuse issues, or disabilities, to name a few. Learn about various programs designed to help obligors overcome these obstacles or barriers to paying child support. What can the courts do to help in both establishment and enforcement cases? What can the child support agency do to help?
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Gabriel

Lisa Gabriel

Chief Court Employment Coordinator, Circuit Court for Baltimore County
LISA GABRIEL is the Chief Court Employment Coordinator for the Family Employment and Support Program (FESP) – Circuit Court for Baltimore County.  FESP is a court-supervised program that provides employment assistance and supportive services to non-custodial parents with active... Read More →
avatar for Harrison Johnson

Harrison Johnson

Resource Coordinator Supervisor, Baltimore City Office of Child Support
HARRISON JOHNSON JR. joined the Baltimore City Office of Child Support Services in September of 2021 as an Intake Specialist. In July of 2022 Harrison was promoted to Resource Coordinator Supervisor where he works with coordinators through Community partnerships to offer Employment... Read More →
avatar for Lori Keel

Lori Keel

Director, Baltimore City Office of Child Support
For the past four years, LORI KEEL has been the Executive Director for the Baltimore City Office of Child Support Services run by Veritas HHS. Prior to that Lori worked for the State of Maryland for over thirty years. Lori was the Director for the Baltimore County Office of Child... Read More →
Friday April 4, 2025 11:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Training Room 238
  Breakout Session I

12:00pm EDT

Lunch
Friday April 4, 2025 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Friday April 4, 2025 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

3:30pm EDT

Closing Plenary
Friday April 4, 2025 3:30pm - 3:50pm EDT
Training Rooms 131-133
Secretary Lopez
Friday April 4, 2025 3:30pm - 3:50pm EDT
Training Rooms 131-133
  Plenary

3:50pm EDT

Symposium Wrap-Up
Friday April 4, 2025 3:50pm - 4:00pm EDT
Training Rooms 131-133
Speakers
avatar for Hon. Stephanie Porter

Hon. Stephanie Porter

Judge, Circuit Court for Howard County
STEPHANIE P. PORTER was appointed to be a Judge in the Circuit Court for Howard County in January of 2022 and presides over criminal, civil and family law matters, including bench and jury trials.  Prior to her appointment as a Judge, Judge Porter was a Magistrate for the Circuit... Read More →
avatar for Hon. Julia Weatherly

Hon. Julia Weatherly

Senior Judge, Chair of the Child Support Workgroup, Circuit Court for Prince George's County
Honorable Julia B. Weatherly (Ret.)Circuit Court for Prince George’s County,Upper Marlboro, Maryland Julie Weatherly left the University of Michigan for Washington, D. C. in 1975 to attend law school at The George Washington University. After law school, she began to practice law... Read More →
Friday April 4, 2025 3:50pm - 4:00pm EDT
Training Rooms 131-133
  Plenary
 
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Thursday, April 3
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Training Room 236
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Training Rooms 131-133
Training Rooms 131-134
  • Breakout Session I
  • Breakout Session II
  • Breakout Session III
  • Plenary