Interviewing Adult Clients in Child Protection Matters: Advice for New Lawyers
Law Society of Upper Canada Intensive in Child Protection Program, University of Windsor, June 22-25, 2011
17 Pages Posted: 14 Jul 2011
Date Written: June 22, 2011
Abstract
Client interviewing is a cornerstone of lawyer-client relationships, particularly in often high-conflict child protection matters. This practical article focuses on the initial interview of adult clients involved in child protection matters. Part I sets out the social context of interviewing caregivers. Part II describes the theories of client-centred and engaged client-centred lawyering employed throughout the paper. Given the context and theory, Part III sets out four key stages of interviewing that may prove difficult for new lawyers: rapport-building, fact gathering, reality checking and concluding.
Keywords: child protection, interviewing, new lawyers, caregivers, child protective proceedings, representing parents
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