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The Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative (TLPI) represents families in cases concerning the educational needs of children with disabilities who have been exposed to family violence. Particular attention is given to connecting trauma, resulting from family violence, with difficulties children may have learning and behaving in the classroom. TLPI also undertakes policy activities that seek innovative remedies to improve the services and supports for high risk, vulnerable children.
Students working in this clinic represent children and their parents/guardians in special education and related matters. Students have the opportunity to interview and counsel clients, conduct factual investigation and legal research, develop case strategies, collect and analyze school records, draft pleadings, work with experts, and negotiate and advocate with school personnel at team meetings. In cases scheduled for full administrative hearings, students appear for pre-hearing motions and develop and conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses. Students participate in policy activities that seek innovative remedies to improve the services and supports for high risk, vulnerable children.
For academic year 2009/2010, students wishing to enroll in this clinic must enroll in the Education Advocacy and Systemic Change: Children at Risk (Clinical Workshop) A (fall) or B (spring).
We also encourage interested students to concurrently enroll in: Legal Profession: Delivery of Legal Services (A or B) which satisfies the Law School's Professional Responsibility Requirement.
For more information on TLPI, contact Susan Cole, Clinical Instructor and Lecturer on Law, at scole@law.harvard.edu, (617) 390-2737 or Michael Gregory, Senior Clinical Fellow and Lecturer on Law, at mgregory@law.harvard.edu, (617) 390-2550.
Additional information on the project may be found on the Massachusetts Advocates for Children website.
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