Social Work Methods - Families

Catalog description

The primary focus of this course is to introduce students to the importance of work with families and to provide a foundational platform from which to practice. Students and professionals in the field of social work usually can easily identify deficiencies and issues within a family system. What is not as easily discernible is the strengths which all families possess. Understanding how individuals and families, not only survive, but can thrive under adverse conditions can enable social workers to move families toward healing. Therefore, students must not only study family dynamics and theories of family therapy but must first understand the concept of resiliency as it is rooted in the strength's perspective. Students will be asked to apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments. The course will be framed within the nine competencies and practice behaviors as outlined by the Council for Social work Education that are appropriate for an advanced level course.