Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Child Welfare work is one of those client needs that requires collaboration, a broad base of knowledge about human development, family systems, and the intersectionality of multiple systems on the individual and the family.  Child Welfare work exists in the public and private sector, but is most effective with the two sectors collaborate to help families meet the needs of their children.  This course will explore the differences and similarities between public and private child welfare entities and the importance of working together.

This course will be using real examples to advance understanding which some student may find activating.  Child maltreatment, abuse, and other social injustices will be present in the videos, handouts, lectures, and discussions throughout this course.  It is highly recommended that students utilize all of the resources PCC has to offer, including but not limited to accessing the Counseling Center.

This course does not have a typical text book, rather will will be using training manuals, policies and procedure manuals, OARs, articles and various media to direct our learning.  This course is highly interactive, both on the weeks we meet via Zoom and the weeks students work independently.  It will be intense at times, but we will also strive to have fun while learning.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Use knowledge and skills to reflect on and discuss professional practices in the human service field
• Apply an understanding of ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to human service practice
• Apply basic tools of case management with families and children involved with child welfare systems
• Identify the ethical considerations of case management as applied to the needs of diverse populations in child welfare settings
• Apply an understanding of case management processes through interviewing, active listening, consultation, and dissemination of critical information

Both a microphone and webcam are required for class attendance.