Course Description
The overall objective of this course is help students develop an understanding of the various forms of child abuse, identify the underlying causes of this multifaceted problem, and to appropriately identify the types of services that will benefit maltreated children and their families. The nature and impact of child maltreatment, the ways in which society prevents or responds to it, and the system of response to child maltreatment are addressed. The course will also cover the importance of promoting social and economic justice for children and ways to empower children and their parents through the helping process.
Course Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and analyze the impact of a variety of social problems, such as poverty, domestic violence, drug abuse, homelessness, and racism on family functioning and the development of children.
- Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of agencies which provide child welfare services.
- Identify the different types of child maltreatment, their physical and behavioral indicators, and their effect on child development.
- Assess the family dynamics of abusive families.
- Identify culturally sensitive interventions during the reporting, investigation, and treatment phases. Formulate strategies to prevent child abuse.