CRM 7004G - Juvenile Justice and the Legal Rights of Children

Credits: 4

This course is designed to allow students to examine relevant legal and social policy issues concerning children who are involved in the justice system, as well as their families, caregivers, human service workers, teachers, and advocates. Students will explore current child-centered practices for communities and the legal system that have proven to be effective strategies for ensuring the welfare of children and their families. Through the reading of personal narratives and essays, as well as a review of relevant academic materials and applicable laws, students will arrive at an understanding as to how race, ethnicity, class, and gender affect treatment and service delivery by the social service and justice systems. The course is designed for students interested in working in juvenile justice settings or students interested in working with youth populations that may experience contact with the justice systems. Students may have the opportunity to observe the juvenile justice system first hand by attending a juvenile court session, visit a correctional facility for adjudicated delinquents, and hear directly from those who work with at-risk youth and families.