Introduces methods and practice. Basic principles, values, and ethics, interviewing skills, problem assessment, and contracting of social work practice with individuals and families are studied. Skills training in lab sessions.

The course will explore the social construction of individual and group racial and ethnic identities and their relationship to oppression, prejudice, discrimination, and powerlessness in social and interpersonal contexts and their impact on individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students will have an opportunity to examine their own experiences of both privilege and oppression. Students will learn to critically examine theories, concepts, and models of practice for racial and cultural bias.

Examination of the major policy and program questions of child welfare with a focus on child care and protection, adoption and foster care, juvenile delinquency, service delivery, and concepts of treatment in public and private programs.

This course introduces students to advanced concepts in child welfare with an emphasis on child maltreatment assessment and child protective services. The course addresses emerging assessment practices, data informed child protective service provision, the role of technology in child welfare practice, and workforce development.