MEET JO POENITZSCH
For over a decade Jo Poenitzsch has worked in Criminal Law and Child Protective Services. As a defense attorney and former prosecutor, she has negotiated thousands of cases and litigated to juries in all types of matters, from class c misdemeanors to felonies to parental rights termination trials. Her experience in both criminal and CPS law gives her a greater understanding of potential risks and consequences as oftentimes criminal cases lead to CPS investigations or vice versa.
In addition to representing parents or grandparents involved in CPS litigation, Jo also serves on the Attorney/Guardian Ad Litem appointment list to represent children who have been taken into CPS custody. In that capacity, Jo has zealously worked to reunite children with their parents or family members.
Jo teaches regularly to other lawyers and law enforcement about CPS and Criminal Law. She has worked on foster care reform legislation and has been a contributor to round tables and publications such as the Texas Children’s Commission Parent’s Resource Guide. She also volunteers time to help at-risk youth.