He has been an attorney for hundreds of adoption and foster care cases, is a member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and serves on the Advisory Council of theCongressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Recently awarded “National Treasure Award” from Foster and Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center.
Mr. Schweitzer also provides legal consulting services to:
public and private child-serving
agencies in the areas of social welfare law and practice
privatization
public-private joint ventures
risk-management
practice standards
service delivery
confidentiality
Mr. Schweitzer represents charter schools in such matters as:
charter compliance
relations with education management organizations
compliance with federal and local law
He serves on the Board of Directors of the Public Charter School Center for Student Support Services.
Mr. Schweitzer is widely recognized for his expertise in several areas. Mr. Schweitzer frequently lectures to lawyers and child welfare professionals in his areas of expertise which include:
Confidentiality
Child Abuse and Neglect
Mandatory Reporting Laws
Testifying in Court
Adoption
Laws Pertaining to Children in General
Mr. Schweitzer is the co-author of Foster Care Law: A Primer (2004) available from Carolina Academic Press.
Harvey Schweitzer, a 1976 graduate of UCLA Law School, has been involved in child welfare and related issues since 1980 when he helped create the Counsel for Child Abuse and Neglect Office at the D.C. Superior Court. Mr. Schweitzer engages in trial and appellate litigation. He is legal counsel to the (D.C.) Consortium for Child Welfare; a consultant to the (D.C.) Healthy Families/Thriving Communities Collaborative Council; and is an adjunct professor at Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America where he teaches juvenile law. He serves as the general counsel to Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, is of counsel to Savit & Szymkowicz, LLP, is a legal advisor to Catholic Community Services of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. and provides advice and representation to many other nonprofit child serving agencies. He also represents social workers in licensing and disciplinary proceedings.
Mr. Schweitzer is admitted to practice law in D.C. and Maryland.
In 2025, it is crucial for parents to recognize that beliefs held within a particular tradition can significantly sway legal outcomes in parenting arrangements. Judges Read more >
Consider establishing a clear legal framework before initiating any move with children in 2025. Understanding the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is Read more >
If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, reaching out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 is an immediate step. Read more >
The safety of individuals facing a perilous situation in their relationships is paramount. In 2025, protections exist for individuals without citizenship who find themselves in Read more >
The landscape of medical governance is continually evolving, reflecting ongoing discussions and decisions that impact various stakeholders. This section aims to illuminate notable occurrences that Read more >
In recent times, the realm of jurisprudence has witnessed a transformative shift, where conventional methodologies are increasingly complemented by cutting-edge advancements. This evolution signifies a Read more >
Mr. Schweitzer is an experienced adoption attorney and has provided representation in unusual circumstances, such as “three-parent adoptions”, adoptions by transgendered persons and adoptions by Read more >
The most streamlined route for concluding a marriage without mutual consent in 2025 mandates filing specific documentation with the court. Begin by submitting a Request to Read more >