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Chlece Walker-Neal-Murray, JD, MSW, MS
and
Shannon Frattaroli, PhD, MPH
This course will teach learners how to understand when issues can become legal issues, encourage learners to recognize legal problems early, identify possible “legal soft spots” in their own situations, and act when issues are identified to avoid them escalating. This course will also teach and encourage learners to think preventatively and provide some tools to use with an eye toward preventing future legal issues. Finally, this Teach-out seeks to expand the idea of legal health checks to a community level by encouraging learners to take on the task of informing others of legal soft spots and prevention tools to prevent and mitigate future legal problems.
Read more
This course will teach learners how to understand when issues can become legal issues, encourage learners to recognize legal problems early, identify possible “legal soft spots” in their own situations, and act when issues are identified to avoid them escalating. This course will also teach and encourage learners to think preventatively and provide some tools to use with an eye toward preventing future legal issues. Finally, this Teach-out seeks to expand the idea of legal health checks to a community level by encouraging learners to take on the task of informing others of legal soft spots and prevention tools to prevent and mitigate future legal problems.
Read more
This course will teach learners how to understand when issues can become legal issues, encourage learners to recognize legal problems early, identify possible “legal soft spots” in their own situations, and act when issues are identified to avoid them escalating. This course will also teach and encourage learners to think preventatively and provide some tools to use with an eye toward preventing future legal issues. Finally, this Teach-out seeks to expand the idea of legal health checks to a community level by encouraging learners to take on the task of informing others of legal soft spots and prevention tools to prevent and mitigate future legal problems.
This Teach-out is for anyone in a romantic relationship, co-parenting or parenting relationship, or people who work with families and young and emerging adults. Examples of professionals who may benefit from this course include: teachers, pastors and other church leaders, community organizers, social workers, doctors, nurses, and hairdressers.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ensn0y/helping
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What's inside
Syllabus
What is Preventative Law?
This module lays the groundwork for preventive law. You will learn the history of preventive law, what it means, and how it can be applied in the family law context. This module also explains how the Domestic Relations Court system works in the State of Illinois, USA.
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Syllabus
What is Preventative Law?
This module lays the groundwork for preventive law. You will learn the history of preventive law, what it means, and how it can be applied in the family law context. This module also explains how the Domestic Relations Court system works in the State of Illinois, USA.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches learners how to identify legal soft spots and prevent legal issues which could make this course highly relevant to human resources professionals, social workers, mediators, ombudspeople, family lawyers, and judges
Teaches learners how to anticipate and plan for legal issues, which is useful in any business or organization
Designed for anyone in a romantic relationship, co-parenting or parenting relationship, or people who work with families and young and emerging adults so could fit well into a paralegal or human resources training program
Taught by two experienced instructors who are recognized for their work in the field of family law
Offers both theoretical and practical knowledge
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Reviews summary
Practical preventative law for families
According to students, this course offers a highly practical introduction to preventative law, especially valuable for families and professionals working with them. Learners frequently praise its ability to help them recognize potential legal issues early and provide actionable strategies to avoid court involvement. The content is well-structured and the instructors demystify complex legal topics, making them easy to understand. While generally well-received, some learners noted the specific examples tied to the Illinois court system, which might be a point of context rather than universal applicability for those in other jurisdictions.
Serves as a good starting point, though some seek more in-depth strategies.
"Good high-level overview. The preventative approach is refreshing."
"It's fine as a very basic overview, but don't expect comprehensive legal advice."
"I found some of the content a bit too generalized... Still, it's a good starting point."
Highly relevant for both professionals and individuals.
"As a social worker, this course provided invaluable insights for my clients."
"This course is a must-take for anyone working with families."
"As a parent, I never considered legal health in this way... The course made me realize many things I can do to protect my family."
Explains complex legal ideas simply for non-lawyers.
"The instructors from Johns Hopkins did a wonderful job of demystifying complex legal topics."
"The content is presented clearly, making it accessible to those without a legal background."
"It clarified how the court system works in a way that wasn't overwhelming for me."
Provides actionable tools to prevent legal issues.
"This course provided such clarity on how to approach potential legal issues proactively within families."
"As a social worker, I found the practical tools for identifying 'legal soft spots' extremely useful for my clients."
"It really helps to think preventatively about potential legal problems and act to protect my family."
Employs Illinois law as a key operational example, which may limit direct applicability for some.
"My only minor critique is that the Illinois-specific legal details were less relevant to me..."
"The focus on Illinois law is too narrow for a general audience. It's fine as a very basic overview."
"While the Illinois examples were detailed, I wished for broader US or general legal context to apply."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Helping Families Avoid Negative Court Involvement Teach-Out with these
activities:
Refresh the Concepts of Family Law
Show steps
Reviewing the foundational concepts of family law will help you better understand the preventative law strategies discussed in the course.
Browse courses on
Family Law
Show steps
-
Read through your notes or textbooks from previous family law courses.
-
Review online resources or articles that provide an overview of family law concepts.
Practice Identifying Legal Issues in Family Situations
Show steps
Engaging in practice drills will help you develop the skills necessary to identify legal issues early on.
Browse courses on
Legal Issues
Show steps
-
Find case studies or scenarios that involve family situations.
-
Analyze the scenarios to identify potential legal issues.
-
Discuss your findings with classmates or a mentor.
Create a Legal Health Check Toolkit
Show steps
Compiling a toolkit will provide you with resources to educate others about legal soft spots and prevention tools.
Show steps
-
Gather information on common legal issues faced by families.
-
Develop strategies for preventing or mitigating these issues.
-
Create materials such as brochures, handouts, or online resources.
-
Share your toolkit with community organizations, schools, or other relevant groups.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Mentor Others on Legal Prevention Strategies
Show steps
Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of preventative law strategies and allow you to share your knowledge.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
Identify individuals or groups who could benefit from guidance on legal prevention.
-
Develop a plan for mentoring sessions, including topics to cover and activities.
-
Provide support and guidance to your mentees.
-
Evaluate the impact of your mentoring and make adjustments as needed.
Refresh the Concepts of Family Law
Show steps
Reviewing the foundational concepts of family law will help you better understand the preventative law strategies discussed in the course.
Browse courses on
Family Law
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through your notes or textbooks from previous family law courses.
- Review online resources or articles that provide an overview of family law concepts.
Practice Identifying Legal Issues in Family Situations
Show steps
Engaging in practice drills will help you develop the skills necessary to identify legal issues early on.
Browse courses on
Legal Issues
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find case studies or scenarios that involve family situations.
- Analyze the scenarios to identify potential legal issues.
- Discuss your findings with classmates or a mentor.
Create a Legal Health Check Toolkit
Show steps
Compiling a toolkit will provide you with resources to educate others about legal soft spots and prevention tools.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information on common legal issues faced by families.
- Develop strategies for preventing or mitigating these issues.
- Create materials such as brochures, handouts, or online resources.
- Share your toolkit with community organizations, schools, or other relevant groups.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Mentor Others on Legal Prevention Strategies
Show steps
Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of preventative law strategies and allow you to share your knowledge.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify individuals or groups who could benefit from guidance on legal prevention.
- Develop a plan for mentoring sessions, including topics to cover and activities.
- Provide support and guidance to your mentees.
- Evaluate the impact of your mentoring and make adjustments as needed.
Career center
Learners who complete Helping Families Avoid Negative Court Involvement Teach-Out will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Family Life Educator
Family Life Educator
In this role, you will teach people and families about important life skills, such as how to communicate effectively, resolve conflict, and manage their finances. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help families to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping families to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social workers help people to overcome challenges and improve their lives. They work with families, children, and individuals to provide support, counseling, and other services. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your clients to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your clients to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Attorney
Attorney
Attorneys provide legal advice and representation to individuals and families. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your clients to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your clients to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Legal Aid Attorney
Legal Aid Attorney
Legal aid attorneys provide legal services to low-income individuals and families. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your clients to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your clients to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Family Mediator
Family Mediator
Family mediators help families to resolve conflict and reach agreements without going to court. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help families to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping families to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Child Advocate
Child Advocate
Child advocates represent the interests of children in legal and other proceedings. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help children to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping children to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Pastor
Pastor
Pastors provide spiritual guidance and support to individuals and families. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your congregation to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your congregation to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
Community organizers work with communities to identify and address social issues. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your community to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your community to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers help students to learn and grow. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your students to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your students to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Doctor
Doctor
Doctors provide medical care to individuals and families. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your patients to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your patients to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Nurse
Nurse
Nurses provide medical care to individuals and families. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your patients to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your patients to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Hairdresser
Hairdresser
Hairdressers provide hair care services to individuals. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your clients to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your clients to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor
Financial advisors provide financial advice and guidance to individuals and families. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your clients to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your clients to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Insurance Agent
Insurance Agent
Insurance agents provide insurance policies to individuals and families. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your clients to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your clients to resolve legal issues without going to court.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. The knowledge that you gain in this course about preventative law may help you to identify potential legal issues that you can help your organization to avoid. It can also help you to develop strategies for helping your organization to resolve legal issues without going to court.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ensn0y/helping
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Helping Families Avoid Negative Court Involvement Teach-Out.
This guide provides a practical overview of divorce and family law in the United States. It would be a valuable resource for anyone going through a divorce or dealing with other family law issues.
This guide provides a practical overview of child custody and visitation law in the United States. It would be a valuable resource for anyone going through a child custody or visitation dispute.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal aspects of family planning in the United States. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Provides a comparative perspective on families and social policy. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Save
Provides a cultural history of the family in the United States. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Save
Provides a social history of the family in the United States. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Provides a world history of the family. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Save
Provides a sociological overview of the family. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ensn0y/helping
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Similar courses
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructors
Chlece Walker-Neal-Murray, JD, MSW, MS
Shannon Frattaroli, PhD, MPH
Language
English
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