Astraea  Augsberger, LCSW, is a doctoral student at the Columbia University School of Social Work (CUSSW) and teaches the Family, Youth and Children’s Services course. She received her MSSW with a Minor in Law from CUSSW in 1999 and holds a BS from the University of Connecticut. 

Ms. Augsberger’s research interests include the intersection of social service and legal systems and their impact on children, youth and families. Currently, she is working on an interdisciplinary research project with Columbia Law School’s Child Advocacy Clinic examining models of representation for adolescents involved in New York City’s child welfare and juvenile justice proceedings. 

Ms. Augsberger spent a decade working with children and adolescents as a forensic social worker in New York City’s Family Court, Criminal Court and Supreme Court.  During that time, she participated in specialized court parts, such as Family Treatment (Drug Court), Juvenile Delinquency and Domestic Violence. Prior to returning to CUSSW for her doctoral training, Ms. Augsberger was employed as a supervising social worker at the Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Practice.  Ms. Augsberger worked on an interdisciplinary management team responsible for the administration, supervision and training of social workers, lawyers, paralegals and support staff.  Her direct case responsibilities included interviewing children and families, advocating for children and youth in diverse settings, preparing dispositional (permanency) plans for court, drafting affidavits, and testifying as an expert witness. 

Last updated July 01, 2009.