THE CALIFORNIA CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM: PRACTICE, PROCEDURE, AND PURPOSE
(LAWI-4198) - 2 UNITS

This course will introduce students to the practice of dependency law - the field of law covering allegations of child abuse and neglect and the subsequent court proceedings. Students will walk through all aspects of the life of a dependency case, from the initial emergency hearing through the adjudication and disposition process and then into phases of case planning, reunification, and permanency. Beyond using the California Welfare and Institutions Code as a framework to ensure students learn about the field on a practical level, the course will also walk through related skills building topics such as child interviewing and challenge students to think critically about the purpose of systems of family intervention and surveillance. Finally, students will have an opportunity to discuss the child welfare system with dependency practitioners, case workers, and most importantly, families with lived experience.

Grades will be based on class participation, assignments, and a final paper.

Pass/Fail:
No

Prerequisites:
Evidence (LAWJ-2003)  (can be taken concurrently)