Trends in Child Welfare: Policies, Programs & Practice

This course examines the complex systems, dynamics and trends that influence how policies are shaped and social services are delivered to children, youth, and families. The course is designed to provide a foundation for practice, policy, and research in the field of children, youth, and family services. It prepares students for advanced practice and policy courses in child welfare and family services by bridging policy, programs, and practice and emphasizing foundational practice theories, socio-political dynamics, and professional contexts that students will face in their field placements and their future careers. The class discusses the opportunities and challenges in providing community-based services and the historical, political, economic, and social forces that shape contemporary social work practice with children, youth and families.