From the Courtroom to the Classroom: Navigating Custody, Criminal, and Court Demands in Schools

About the Webinar:

This vital session equipped charter school leaders with practical knowledge for handling complex legal situations involving custody disputes, criminal investigations, and court-related demands that increasingly impact school operations. Russell Froman and John Leombruno from the Arnold Law Firm, along with Kelly Gunter, Director of School Operations, provided comprehensive guidance on navigating sensitive scenarios that require balancing legal obligations, student safety, and family rights. The presenters addressed common challenges schools face, including responding to law enforcement requests to interview students or search lockers, managing custody disputes when non-custodial parents attempt to pick up children or request records, handling subpoenas and court orders for student information or staff testimony, and dealing with students involved in criminal proceedings or dependency cases. They emphasized that school administrators must understand their legal duties under federal laws like FERPA and state statutes while also recognizing when situations require immediate consultation with legal counsel to avoid liability or inadvertently compromising student welfare.

Froman, Leombruno, and Gunter provided actionable protocols and best practices for school staff, including step-by-step procedures for verifying custody orders, properly responding to subpoenas, coordinating with law enforcement while protecting student rights, documenting interactions, and communicating sensitively with families during difficult circumstances. The session included real-world scenarios and case studies illustrating proper handling of delicate situations—from determining whether to release a child to a parent claiming emergency circumstances to understanding when schools can refuse law enforcement access without proper warrants or parental consent. The presenters stressed the importance of having clear written policies, training all staff on protocols, maintaining organized custody documentation, and knowing when to pause and seek legal guidance rather than making hasty decisions under pressure. Attendees left with template forms, decision-making frameworks, and resources to help their schools respond appropriately to legal demands while prioritizing student safety, maintaining compliance with applicable laws, and protecting the school from potential litigation arising from these challenging situations.