This class will focus on what happens when the state becomes involved in family life due to allegations of child abuse and neglect. Central to the class will be the balance between the right of the family to be free of state intervention in child-rearing decisions with the right of the child to be free of neglect and abuse. Writing assignments and class simulations will relate to an individual child protection case that we will track from inception to resolution. Additional topics may include: definitions of child abuse and neglect; special issues in child sexual abuse; and medical neglect, including cases involving parents withhold medical treatment because of their religious beliefs. The course will also cover the potential paths for state intervention, including short and long term foster care, termination of parental rights and adoption. (Credits may be applied toward Public Interest Practice concentration.)