Child and Family Welfare

Catalog description

The course examines social welfare policies, programs, and services to families and children. A central theme is the impact of social problems, economic inequity, and discrimination on family well-being and their influence on service delivery. Areas explored include changing definitions and expectations of the family and how these are shaped by the economy, cultural values, and other forces, as well as the effects of poverty and discrimination on family wellbeing, in particular on minority and single parent families. Primary social service delivery systems designed for children and families, including adoption, foster care, child protective services, and the juvenile justice system will be examined. Specific and contemporary social problems facing children and families today, including teen pregnancy, violence among youth, and domestic violence are explored.