Multidisciplinary Approach
Our commitment to systems change begins in the classroom, where we provide hands-on experience to future lawyers and social workers. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates trauma-responsive/informed pedagogy and research to ensure the future of child welfare rests in the hands of lawyers and social workers who understand the impacts of trauma and the need for family-centered systems transformation. Our classroom offerings include in-person, online, and hybrid courses; externships/residencies; and student fellow programs.
Child Protection Clinic
The Institute to Transform Child Protection (ITCP) provides law and master’s level social work students an opportunity to gain experience through our innovative Child Protection Clinic in one of two ways: 1) working with legislators on policy reform; or 2) representing clients in actual court cases.
Policy reform students track legislation and data throughout the United States with a local focus in Minnesota. They meet with legislators and other child protection stakeholders advocating for laws that protect and further the rights of families in child protection proceedings. Representation students meet their clients—parents and kin—in various stages of their cases and continue representing their clients throughout the case, including a trial if necessary.
All students engage with community partners to connect parents and kin with stabilizing resources to prevent removal, or regain custody, of their children.
Learn more about the Child Protection ClinicChild Welfare Certificate
New in 2020, J.D. seeking students may now pursue a certificate in child welfare. Courses are taught by Mitchell Hamline faculty and practicing attorneys in multiple areas. This allows students to explore child welfare from a variety of perspectives or focus on a specific area of interest. Students learn about child welfare issues, courtroom advocacy, trauma-informed practices, and secondary trauma in the legal system. The Child Welfare Certificate is comprised of 18 credits, which count toward students’ J.D. degree. Many credits concurrently satisfy other J.D. requirements.
Learn more about the Child Welfare Certificate