MSW660 Social Work with Children and Families (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): or Co-requisite: MSW650  
This elective course explores children and families within the context of clinical social work practice.Theoretical concepts such as Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development are integrated into this course as a foundation to conceptualizing and assessing children and their families. Students will have an opportunity to utilize a multisystemic approach that addresses multiple determinants of children’s wellbeing and family functioning. Students are also introduced to several models for intervention with children and families, including play therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, child-centered family therapy, and group work.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Learn implications of the diversity and difference in practice with children and families at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, and apply a developmental lens to case formulation. (G2b; C2a)
2. Build self-awareness of and critically reflect on, internalized socio-cultural assumptions and values regarding parenting, family structure, and the meaning of child behavior. (G2f; C2c)
3. Gain proficiency in assessment of child and family-specific mental health symptoms and diagnoses, and awareness of contextual factors such as bias and systemic disparities which influence the impact of mental health diagnosis and access to appropriate and timely mental health treatment. (C7a; C7f)
4. Acquire knowledge of engagement and intervention strategies with children and their families which are culturally-responsive, empowering of families, and appropriate for a range of developmental differences and client preferences. (C6b; C7d; C7e; C8a)
5. Identify and reflect on the particular skills and competencies necessary for social work with children and families by integrating theory, recent research, and best practice standards. (C8b; C8c; C9c)