This three-day course will address the laws and procedures applicable to abuse, neglect, dependency, and termination of parental rights proceedings.  The course will start with a basic overview and drill down to each stage of a case, starting with a report of a child’s suspected abuse, neglect, or dependency made to a county department and ending with the termination of the court’s jurisdiction over an abuse, neglect, or dependency action.  Sessions will address practice considerations including subject matter jurisdiction, drafting petitions, evidentiary issues, and adjudicating paternity when necessary. 

The course is designed for attorneys representing a county child welfare department with three or less years of experience in this subject area of the law. Although attorneys with more experience in child welfare law may apply, preference will be given to those attorneys with less than three years of experience in this practice area.