Advanced Practice: Diverse and Vulnerable Populations

Catalog description

This course addresses issues of vulnerability and social justice experienced by individuals and families in today’s world. Readings and class discussions will cover serious life issues such as AIDS, Alcoholism, Personality Disorders, and Depression; and life circumstances and events that create vulnerabilities such as immigration, refugees, returning veterans, terrorism, homelessness, children in foster care, bullying, and others. Students will explore and discuss the problems facing social work professionals who work with vulnerable populations. The course presents social work theories and practice that support engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation of practice. Issues to be discussed will include the increasing difficulties social workers experience when providing services, changes in society, and what to expect in the coming years.