Capitol News

In an effort to broaden its impact on families in need of legal assistance, Michigan State University’s (MSU) Chance at Childhood Law Clinic has established new partnerships with key organizations. The clinic, which has been collaborating with social work students at MSU for over two decades, will now also work with End Violent Encounters and MSU’s Psychology Department’s Adolescent Diversion Program.

April, designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, serves as a reminder of the importance of the advocacy work the Chance at Childhood Clinic undertakes for children involved in custody and guardianship disputes. Director Joseph Kozakiewicz, who has led the clinic since it was founded, highlighted the significance of these partnerships: “Victims of domestic violence and adolescent defendants newly involved in the juvenile court system in the Lansing area will have the benefit of working with our law students as well as social work and psychology students at MSU,” he said.

Felicity Tyll, program director at End Violent Encounters, emphasized how the collaboration will provide crucial legal support to those facing financial abuse. “Pro bono work by MSU law students will give EVE clients invaluable access to legal services they are often denied,” she stated.

The clinic also aims to reduce recidivism and facilitate positive change for youth in the juvenile court system through its partnership with the Adolescent Diversion Program. Kozakiewicz described how interdisciplinary teams from law, social work, and psychology collaborate to address the holistic needs of those involved in the family court system.

Since its opening 22 years ago, the Chance at Childhood Clinic has handled cases for 380 families and children in the realm of custody, guardianship, and general family law. The clinic has also involved 230 law students through the Child and Family Advocacy Certificate Program. Gabrielle Sheets, a law student graduating in 2026, shared her aspirations influenced by the clinic’s work. “My goal is to protect them as best as I can using the law,” said Sheets.