SOWK 470

I. Course Title: Child Welfare Policy

II. Course Number: SOWK 470

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: Admission into the Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program or the Child Welfare Employee Education Assistance Program and/or Permission of Instructor.

V. Course Description: 

This course prepares students to understand macro public child welfare issues, including federal and state policies, and evidence-based programs, in both the historic and current social contexts. Outcomes for diverse populations will be explored through the lens of social and economic justice. The course includes information on the entire child welfare process including prevention, family engagement, services, out of home placement and permanency planning, data and administration.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

• Introduction: An Overview of Children, Youth, and Family Services, Policies, and Programs in the United States
• Family Support Services
• Meaningful Family Engagement
• Mental Health Care for Children and Youth
• Educational Issues for Children and Youth
• Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
• Sexual Abuse Issues
• Substance Abuse Issues
• Domestic Violence Issues
• Reunification
• Visits: Critical to the Well-Being and Permanency of Children and Youth in Care
• The Child and Family Services Review
• Child Welfare Workforce Issues

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

This course is an online asynchronous course. Students will participate in discussion boards, watch videos, read the Virginia Department of Social Services foster care and adoption guidance manuals, interview individuals working within child welfare concerning agency policy, and have online assignments, including written work and recorded presentations. 

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify key federal and state public child welfare policies, including their historical and current contexts. 
2. Define and describe the basic functions of the child welfare system, including the authority under which it operates. 
3. Convey data about the child welfare system, including the number of families involved in the system, the number of children in care, and permanency outcomes for children. 
4. Describe differential child welfare outcomes for marginalized populations. 
5. Recognize and name evidence-based practices (1) currently used in much of the child welfare system, (2) being piloted or used on a small scale and (3) not in use. 
6. Describe the strengths, challenges, and controversies in the child welfare system.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment measures may include quizzes, journals, case study analysis, participation, exams, essays, research papers, and presentations.

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021