Course Overview and Purpose - Honors College



SYLLABUSSW 1079-Child Welfare Services-BASW (Honors College Section)Fall Term 2013Mondays 9:00-11:50 AM2318 Cathedral of LearningCynthia Bradley-King, PhD, MSWUniversity of PittsburghOffice Hours: Tuesdays. 2-4:30 pm Appointments Only-M, W-Th 1 pm-3 pmSchool of Social Work Office 2302 CL; (412) 624-2830Administrative Assistant: Laura StephanyEmail: ckb11@pitt.eduCL 2329; (412) 624-6310Las245@pitt.eduFax: (412) 624-1159Prerequisites: Introduction to Social Work Course DescriptionThe focus of this class is on the broad perspectives that have shaped policy in the area of children and families in the United States. This course establishes a connection between child welfare policy, services, and social work practice. It builds upon the foundation course in social welfare policy, and enables students to use an action-based advocacy approach to provide policy-informed services and to participate in policy implementation and change. The course will start with an historical view of the treatment of vulnerable children and the subsequent development of child welfare services. We will study the evolution and enactment of early child welfare policies through to the emergence of modern child welfare policies and their impact on child welfare systems in a multicultural society; paying particular attention to the effects of poverty, racial disproportionality in the child welfare system, the use of out-of-home care as well as child abuse and neglect. Finally, professional self-development for competent child welfare practice and advocacy is emphasized.The School of Social Work definition of “generalist practice” was unanimously adopted by faculty on April 15, 2009. This definition reads: “Generalist practice is grounded in the liberal arts and the person and environment construct.? To promote human and social well-being, generalist practitioners use a range of prevention and intervention methods in their practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.? The generalist practitioner identifies?with the social work profession and applies ethical principles and critical thinking in practice.? Generalist practitioners incorporate diversity in their practice and advocate for human rights and social and economic justice.? They recognize, support, and build on the strengths and resiliency of all human beings.? They engage in research-informed practice and are proactive in responding to the impact of context on professional practice.”Electronic RecordingsTo ensure the free and open discussion of ideas, students may not record classroom lectures, discussion and/or activities without the advance written permission of the instructor, and any such recording properly approved in advance can be used solely for the student’s own private useCourse ObjectivesKnowledge: Students will Critically examine the public child welfare system in the United States and the variables that put children at-risk for out-of-home placementDescribe how child welfare policy is implemented in the provision of services to culturally diverse populations.Skills: Students will Recognize the various disparities within the child welfare systemExplain the impact of historic as well as contemporary child welfare policies;Integrate knowledge obtained from theory and apply it to the case studies presented; including resources, protocols, and practice.Values: Students will Identify the major ethical issues that confront the child welfare professional; andApply strategies of ethical reasoning when developing interventions for families at risk.Course objectives will be met through a combination of: lectures, case studies, audio-visuals, visiting child welfare, legal and education professionals, assignments and class discussionsText (Required)Miller-Perrin, C. L. & Perrin, R. D. (2013) Child maltreatment: an introduction. Third Edition.CA: SAGE PublicationsCrosson-Tower, C. (2014) Understanding child abuse and neglect. Ninth Edition. MA: Allyn & Bacon.Readings (All readings are required and available on Blackboard)Basis for GradingThe assignments for this course include:Research paper-30 ptsMid-Term Assignment-20 ptsComprehensive final exam-40 ptsClass participation and attendance-10 ptsResearch PaperThe research paper must have the following headings: 10 point deduction if missingIntroduction to the issue-identify and describe the topic you are researching, including the scope of the issue.Review of the Literature: Explain the history of the issue and what is known. Define at-risk factors and populations. Include relevant literature from credible text, journals and other sources.Interventions and Services: Provide information regarding current (local and/or national) programs and services available to mitigate the problem.Conclusions: Summarize the current status of the issue. Include personal thoughts with corroborating support from the literature about the future development of services you feel are significant in addressing the issue.Bibliography: Provide an ANNOTATED bibliography of all sources of information (references and citations used). At least four professional (text and journal) references must be used. Two additional sources may be used from the World Wide Web.The research paper must not be less than 12 nor exceed 15 pages (not including the bibliography) in length; have 12 point, Times New Roman or Arial font; double spaced with one inch margins all around, cover page and use APA formatting for bibliography(See: ) Please visit the Writing Center if you need help. Research Paper Topics (will be assigned)Child Welfare policies (ASFA, Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act, CAPTA, & MEPA)Domestic AdoptionKinship Care`Child NeglectSubstance Abuse and Child WelfareChild Sexual AbuseHuman Trafficking, prostitution and pornography Psychological/Emotional MaltreatmentChild Physical AbuseThe History of Child ProtectionEducational and Health NeglectInternational AdoptionIncestChild Welfare Disproportionality and DisparityDomestic violence and Child WelfareMid-term Assignment-Case StudyCase Studies are located on Course web. Choose two and follow case study directions. Final ExamThe content of the exam will derive from text topics, class lectures and required and recommended readings. The exam will have essay, completion, matching and multiple choice questions.Class Participation & AttendanceAll students are expected to participate in classroom discussions which help to demonstrate comprehension of readings and material presented. Attendance is required (Missing three classes will result in a failing grade).Expectations of StudentsStudents are expected to:Read the required texts Supplement their knowledge with additional readings and journal articlesDemonstrate comprehension through thoughtful reflection and class participationPass written exam and quizAttend all classes (absences will negatively affect the course evaluation process)Arrive for class at the designated time (tardiness will negatively affect the evaluation processFollow University policies governing the circumstances of the “G” or “I” gradeAdhere to deadlines regarding the completion of course work Refrain from using cell phones/texting during class except in emergenciesBe courteous and attentive during lectures and presentations.The instructor assumes students understand the concept of plagiarism (the improper use, or failure to attribute, another person's writing or ideas {intellectual property}. It can be as subtle as the inadvertent neglect to include quotes or references when citing another source or as blatantly unethical as knowingly copying an entire paper verbatim and claiming it as your own work). The University of Pittsburgh considers plagiarism a violation of its code of academic integrity. See "Student Obligations and Adjudication" (University Policy 02-03-03). Consult "Avoiding Plagiarism" and "Ending Plagiarism" for answers to any further questions on plagiarism. The submission of any plagiarized work will automatically result in a failing grade for this course with no opportunity to re-submit. University/School/Course PoliciesAmericans with Disabilities Act: Any students with disabilities who require unique accommodations must inform the instructor (ASAP) of their registration with the Office of Disability Resources and Services (216 William Pitt Union-(412) 648-7890 (TTY) (412) 383-7355). DRS will verify your disability and determine reasonable for this course. Please go to drs.pitt.edu for a comprehensive description of services provided.Nondiscrimination: The University prohibits and will not engage in discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era.Academic Integrity: Students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct established by the University and the Academic Integrity Policy of the School of Social Work, which is described in the Student Handbook . Religious Holidays: If you need to miss class due to religious observances, notify the instructor in advance to make alternative arrangements.Guests Throughout the semester, guest speakers will provide information from the following perspectives:Child Welfare and the Public Education SystemMedical recognition of physical abuse in childrenChild Welfare ProfessionalsAdoptive/Foster FamiliesLegal-Child Abuse Unit/Domestic Sexual Abuse CrimesFilmsThe Unquiet Death of Eli CreekmoreThe Orphan Trains of Charles Loring BraceFostering Permanency: Case Studies in Child WelfareChild Welfare Overview: Caseworker experiencesAmerican Justice: A Family Secret-The Death of Lisa SteinbergInvestigative Reports: The Child Sex TradeFamily to Family: Supporting Adolescents in Foster Care-Voices of YouthBroken ChildThe Mary Beth Tinning Story: Munchausen by ProxyThe Listening heart: Fetal Alcohol SyndromeChild Welfare: The Vulnerable Child (3 videos)Human TraffickingAmerican Justice: Child Sex TradeChild WarriorsPreciousCOURSE SCHEDULE AND AGENDAClass Meeting 1August 26, 2013 (No class September 3 -Labor Day) Topic: Introduction to course. Overview of course goals, objectives, requirements and evaluation (Quiz & Final) Assignments: Research Paper, attendance and participation; Child Welfare Education for Baccalaureates–CWEB; Current Child Welfare StatisticsVideo: Child Welfare Caseworker OverviewClass Meeting 2 September 9, 2013 Topic: The History of Child Maltreatment and ProtectionText: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 1; Perrin Chap 1Readings: Child Saving in the Progressive Era; Mary Ellen Story; More on Mary Ellen Video: Orphan TrainsClass Meeting 3 September 16, 2013Topic: The Family, Roles, Responsibilities and Rights/Parents, Families and Child Maltreatment and Child Abuse and Neglect PreventionText: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 2; Perrin, Chap 2 Readings: Changing Clients Challenging TimesVideo: Broken ChildClass Meeting 4September 23, 2013 Topic: Child Protection System and Identifying Child abuse and Neglect; Physical abuseText: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 3; Perrin, Chap. 3Readings: Mandatory Reporting; Recognizing Child AbuseVideos: The Death of Lisa Steinberg; Child WarriorsClass Meeting 5September 30, 2013 (No class October 7, 2013)Topic: Child Abuse and Neglect, Munchausen by Proxy SyndromeText: Crosson-Tower Chapters 4 and 5; Perrin, Chap 5 & pg. 215 box 7.1Readings: Annual Child Abuse Report 2009; Protecting abused and neglected childrenVideos: The Mary Beth Tinning Story: Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome; Unquiet Death of Eli CreekmooreClass Meeting 6October 15, 2013(This is a Tuesday) Research Paper DueTopic: Child Sexual Abuse and IncestText: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 6, 7, 8; Perrin, Chap 4Readings: Sex Trafficking of ChildrenVideos: Child Sex Trade Class Meeting 7October 21, 2013Topic: Child Welfare Case Management; Roles of Other ProfessionalsText: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 11; Readings: Porchlight I and IIGuests: (Vice Principal Gerri Abrams)Video: Child Welfare: The Vulnerable ChildClass Meeting 8October 28, 2013Topic: The Legal Response to Child Abuse and NeglectText: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 12; Perrin, Pg. 271-273Readings: Child Welfare Policies: (ASFA, MEPA, AACWA; Mandated ReportingGuest: Assistant District AttorneyClass Meeting 9November 4, 2013Case Studies DueTopic: Out of Home Care: Foster Care, Kinship Care, Group Homes and InstitutionsText: Crosson-Tower-Chapters 10 & 15; Perrin, pg. 269-271Readings: Formal Foster Care; PA Kinship factsheet; Guest: Allegheny County Children Youth and FamiliesVideo: LGBTQ Foster Youth Tell Their StoriesClass Meeting 10November 11, 2013Topic: Adoption, Aging out of Foster CareReadings: Adoption in America, Basics of Adoption Practice, Transracial adoption and MEPA`Guests: Adoptive Family (Dr. Rose Moriarty, Dr. Christina Newhill, Dr. Annette Scott-Piper, Video: Voices of Youth: Supporting Adolescents in Foster CareClass Meeting 11November 18, 2013Happy ThanksgivingTopic: Racial Disproportionality in Child Welfare SystemReadings: Institutional Racism in child welfare, the Impact of CW Policies on AA families, Understanding AA familiesVideo: Children in foster Care: Case Studies Class Meeting 12November 25, 2013Topic: Special Topics in Child MaltreatmentText: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 9; Perrin, Chap 8, 9, 10Readings: When drug addicts have children; ASFA and Substance Abuse; Videos: The Listening heart: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; Child WarriorsClass Meeting 13December 2, 2013Final Exam DistributedReviewVideo: PreciousFinal Exam WeekDecember 9, 2013 Have a great Holiday Vacation!! Final DueCourse Deadlines: Course assignments are due on the dates indicated and will not be accepted beyond the due dates. There are no make-up exams or extensions except when extenuating circumstances dictate (i.e.: death in family, illness or hospitalization). Prior notification to the instructor is required. ................
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