SOW 120 - Child Welfare

Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
This course examines the child welfare system and its role in promoting child safety, well-being and family support. Students explore the historical, legal and cultural frameworks that shape child welfare policies and practices. Emphasis is placed on understanding risk factors for abuse and neglect, evidence-based intervention strategies and the ethical responsibilities of social work practice with children and families. Through case studies, interactive discussions and experiential learning, students develop the skills necessary for effective advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration and culturally responsive service planning in child welfare settings.

CSWE Competencies Addressed

This course is designed in accordance with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). As a foundational course in the social work curriculum, SOW 120 addresses competencies required for accredited social work programs. The following competencies align with the course learning outcomes and prepare students for continued study and future licensure pathways:

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Competency 2: Engage Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) in Practice
Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism in Practice
Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Describe the history and legal foundations of child welfare services in the U.S. (CSWE Competencies 2, 5)
Analyze the role of the family in child development, including the impact of culture, equity and structural inequities. (CSWE Competencies 2, 3)
Examine how poverty, violence, trauma, substance use and homelessness affect children and families. (CSWE Competencies 2, 3, 6)
Identify the range of services provided within the child welfare system from prevention to out-of-home placement. (CSWE Competencies 5, 6, 8)
Describe the responsibilities of child welfare professionals in advocacy, protection, case planning and support. (CSWE Competencies 1, 6, 8)
Demonstrate awareness of ethical challenges, cultural humility, and family engagement strategies in child welfare practice. (CSWE Competencies 1, 2, 3)

Listed Topics

History and evolution of child welfare policy and practice
The legal system and the role of juvenile and family courts
The impact of social issues (poverty, violence, substance use, housing instability)
Family-centered, culturally responsive approaches
Day care, counseling and school-based services
Teen parents and early intervention
Foster care and permanency planning
Adoption and kinship care
Residential placement and group care
Trauma-informed care and risk assessment
Advocacy and child protective services
Ethics, confidentiality and mandated reporting

Reference Materials
Current textbook/materials as deemed appropriate by instructor

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Culture Society & Citizenship
Information Literacy
Technological Competence

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 5/14/2025
Last Reviewed: 5/14/2025

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