Joshua Kay, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Michigan Law School, Child Advocacy Law Clinic
SCAOTuesday, Jan 24 at 12:00 PM EST
Target audience includes judges (state and tribal); referees; other court staff; and Lawyer Guardian Ad Litems who represent children in child welfare proceedings.
Lawyer Guardians Ad Litem (L-GALs) represent minor children in child welfare proceedings. Their duties include making “child’s best interests” recommendations to the court regarding appropriate services, placement, and parental rights. This task can be complicated because research indicates that child maltreatment during infancy and early childhood has significant impacts on development, attachment, and academic achievement. Dr. Joshua Kay, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan, and licensed psychologist, will provide information to L-GALs on child development issues and advocacy techniques in order to aid them in making recommendations to the court.