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Child Care Subsidy Policy October 1, 2024 111 11.5.2. Before attending the hearing, the case manager shall place the evidence in chronological order. Evidence should be clear and concise, and show what actions were taken in the case, and when, step by step. 11.5.3. The case manager should make at least 3 copies of all documents supporting the decision, one for the hearings officer, one for the client/provider, and one for the case manager. 11.5.4. The case manager should be familiar with child care policy sections relevant to the decision and be able to cite policy and law, if applicable. 11.6. During the Hearing 11.6.1. Be punctual, professional, and prepared. Never make the hearings officer wait. 11.6.2. Before the hearing begins, the case manager should request that exhibits/supporting documents be numbered. 11.6.3. The case manager has the right to request that witnesses be removed from the room so that their testimony will not be tainted. 11.6.4. The case manager will present to the hearings officer first, as the agency bears the burden of proof for the action taken. Always address the hearings officer and speak clearly and loudly enough for the tape recorder. 11.6.5. The case manager is their own lawyer. They should introduce themself: “My name is _______________________I work for . I represent the Department/Child Care Resource Referral Agency. I have worked for the Department/CCR&R for _______ years/months/days.” The case manager should also introduce any witnesses on their side. 11.6.6. If the agency or case manager made an error, admit it. 11.6.7. Once the case manager is finished, the client or provider who filed the hearing request will have the opportunity to present his or her side. 11.6.8. The client or provider may also choose to cross examine the case manager. The case manager should answer questions directly, but do not answer questions on which he/she has no personal knowledge or on actions which he/she did not take. 11.6.9. The case manager should object to any misrepresentations by the client or provider – if the client makes a statement that the case manager knows is false or a misstatement, make sure that it is addressed when the case manager cross examines the client. The case manager will be given the opportunity to present rebuttal testimony.