Dependency Legal Services

Student interns at DLS will have exposure to court processes and the legal requirements of the child welfare system and function in a multidisciplinary environment, learning in greater detail the partnership between social workers and attorneys. Students will have direct interaction with youth, typically in their placement and develop skills around communication, active listening, engagement, and assessment. Students will also hone writing skills as they summarize their work. Students will participate in Family Team meetings with Child Welfare, attend IEPs and other education-related meetings, and learn effective collaboration with other disciplines serving these youth. The work of the student allows the attorneys to best represent youth during hearings and is an excellent foundation for a second year CSW internship opportunity. 

Students will have robust support in their learning, but do need to function independently and be willing to jump right in. There will be many new situations students experience during their internship, and they need to be able and willing to learn from each unique situation they encounter. Flexibility in schedules is appreciated, but not required. Students will be assigned tasks but need to create their own structure/schedule for the day. Some time in the office is required and most field work is schedueld directly by the student, but some work may be completed from home.