Centers and Clinics

Gator TeamChild Curriculum


"Much to my surprise, I had multiple clients and hearings. Now that judges and attorneys recognize the quality of work done by the clinic, it appears there will never be a shortage of cases"
-Matthew Slingbaum

The Gator TeamChild is a two-semester, third-year elective. Participating law students must successfully complete a semester prep course before certification, followed by a semester of representation and advocacy.

The preparation course combines a client-centered skills approach with in-depth classroom analysis of substantive juvenile law. Skills are taught through interviewing, counseling and negotiation sessions with child actors. Methods include extensive use of video during simulation exercises and classroom critique. Materials are updated regularly to familiarize students with current practices, policy and legal issues that affect their clients. Students are certified to practice under the Florida Student Practice Rule at the end of the prep semester.

Gator TeamChildParticipants meet and work with judges, lawyers, caseworkers, mediators, guardians ad litem, psychiatrists and psychologists, physicians and service providers involved in helping children. They also are eligible to participate in judicial externships with juvenile court judges

LAW 6940
GATOR TEAMCHILD JUVENILE PRACTICE CLINIC

Gator TeamChild interns are certified by the Florida Supreme Court under the student practice rule to represent indigent clients. Each student will represent 3 to 4 children during the semester. Students will work in two-person teams on cases involving delinquency, dependency, school disciplinary proceedings, guardianship, emancipation and a variety of other matters. Teams may also include student social workers, psychologists and medical students in adolescent psychiatry. Most cases will involve court appearances or administrative hearings, mediation, negotiation with agency personnel and state attorneys, fact investigation, and legal research and writing.

Meets Monday and Wednesday for two hours. Monday classes are firm meetings during which all active cases will be discussed. Wednesday classes will include team meetings, advanced instruction on issues in juvenile law, guest speakers and field trips. Weekly journals will be required, as well as mid-term and final papers. Students will be expected to record twenty hours per week of work on their cases.

Students will receive six hours of pass/fail credit for successful completion of the GATOR TEAMCHILD juvenile practice clinic.