This course will examine the legal relationships among children, family and the state, primarily in the context of issues over which juvenile courts traditionally have jurisdiction. Particular attention will be given to the interplay and often conflicting interests of children, parents, and the State. We will look at how the law divides responsibility for children between parents and the state, and consider how the balance should be drawn. We will look at law and policy governing parental rights, child abuse and neglect, foster care, adoption, and education.