- Child Welfare 2

Catalog description

This course is for Social Work and related majors only and is presented through a partnership between the Department of Social Work and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS). The knowledge and skills included in the DCFS Placement/Permanency Foundation Training curriculum are integrated throughout, and that content is included on the professional employment exams. This undergraduate social work course uses a seminar approach to presenting current child welfare policy, practice, and research issues that are intended to prepare students for potential employment in public and private child welfare agencies within the state of Illinois. The course includes expert speakers, participation in professional preparation exercises, and online content developed by the IL DCFS that focuses on the core competencies of knowledge and skill required for child welfare practice in Illinois. These competencies include family engagement, assessment of risk and safety, intervention, and permanency planning. Upon completion of both sections of the course, students are eligible for expedited Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL). Students will take professional employment exams that will qualify them for certification in the Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP) and the Placement Specialty Exam that are required for those providing direct child welfare services to Illinois families with children placed in substitute care.