The course is intended both for students who are interested in legal practice relating to children, and those who wish to broaden their understanding of the legal system by a critical examination of how it operates in a controversial and rapidly changing area. The present law in New South Wales is considered as well as the historical development of laws relating to children, proposed reforms, and comparative material from other jurisdictions. The materials draw on disciplines other than law (such as sociology, child development theory) so that legal developments can be related to the position of children in society and different perspectives on their rights and interests. There may be some variation in the topics to be covered, according to the interests of the particular teacher and students, but in general the course deals with the concept of children's rights; child welfare laws; the application of the criminal law to children and the jurisdiction and procedures in children's courts; education; foster care, and other forms of alternative care. It is desirable that students have completed LAWS2391 Family Law.