The Child Representation Practicum provides law students an opportunity to represent youth aged 10 and older in the Indiana child welfare system. Supervising attorneys from Child Advocates, Inc. will work with law students to explain court proceedings, client rights, and case options to youth clients. Law students will gain experience researching issues regarding the CHINS (Child in Need of Services) or TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) case, investigating placement options at the client’s direction, and advocating for the youth’s wishes in case meetings. Alongside the supervising attorney, law students will prepare for hearings and zealously advocate in court for the wishes of the youth.
During the first 6 weeks of the semester, students will meet with adjunct faculty one time a week for 3 hours reviewing Indiana’s child welfare system and best practices for representing youth. For the rest of the semester, the focus will be on clients and the class will only meet one time a week for 90 minutes.
Students must be certified legal interns or able to become certified at the beginning of the semester.
Students must apply for the course by emailing rachel@childadvocates.net with their interest.