SOCIAL SCIENCE

In identifying whether a child welfare attorney possesses the knowledge base required to provide quality legal representation, CIPs should look for an understanding of relevant social science research and literature. Grounding legal arguments and assessments in sound social science can help attorneys and judges make decisions based on research and best practices, rather than basing decisions on bias and gut instincts. Such knowledge can help attorneys answer:

• What is the best way to structure quality family time?
• What is the most effective treatment modality for particular mental health diagnoses or substance abuse disorders?
• How does trauma impact a youth’s or adult’s thinking, behavior, and emotional state?
• What developmental milestones should a child reach by a particular age?
• How are the facts of a case impacting the attorney and how might that manifest for them?