PUBPOL 3530

Child Welfare in the United States: Challenges, Policy, and Practice

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

An introduction to the U.S. Child Welfare System. Topics to be covered include legislation that has shaped child welfare practice, the impact on children of abuse and neglect, foster care, and adoption, including the long-term outcomes for children in residential treatment centers in congregate care facilities.  

When Offered Fall.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the status and history of the U.S. child welfare system.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant provisions of the legislation that have shaped child welfare practice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the differential treatment of children of color in the U.S. child welfare system.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how social issues such as poverty, violence, drug abuse, and homelessness impact children and their families leading to state intervention, and out-of-home placement.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the experiences of LGBTQ children in the foster care system.

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