Child Welfare (LAWS 5753)

This course explores the underlying principles of child welfare. We will look at the state's right to intervene where children are being abused or neglected; legal and psychological parameters of neglect; the parent's right to raise children as they see fit, including the use of corporal punishment; the termination of parental rights; the role of an attorney GAL; legal representation of the agency and parents in child welfare hearings; and the liability of child welfare agencies. The format is lecture, discussion and student presentation, and simulation. The course includes a trial and concludes with a final paper and student presentations on topics of their choice.