Effective:

Fall, 2000

Course Number: *	860 325/525		Cross Listed Number:
Course Title:	Social Work with Children and Adolescents

 

15 Character Abbreviation:	Swchild/adolsc
25 Character Abbreviation:	Socwrk/children/adolescen

 

Sponsor:		Michael D. Wallace		E-mail Address:	Wallacem@mail.uww.edu
Department:		Social Work		College:	Letters and Sciences
Co-sponsor:		James P. Winship		E-mail Address:	Winshipj@mail.uww.edu
Department:		Social Work		College:	Letters and Sciences
	* You MUST verify course numbers with Registrar's Office prior to submitting (x1211)

 

Other Programs Affected:

 

Check if course is to meet any of the following requirements:
__ None	__ Writing	__ Computer	__ Diversity	__ General Ed and Area

 

Credit/Contact Hours: (per semester)
Total lab hours:			Total lecture hours:	48
Number of credits:	3		Total contact hours:	48

 

Check if course is repeatable:		x_ No	_ Yes		(if yes, answer the following questions)
No of times in major				No of credits in major
No of times in degree				No of credits in degree

 

Enter the appropriate titles if the course is required in any of the following:
Major Title(s)
Minor Title(s)
Emphasis Title(s)

 

Course justification:

The Social Work Department’s assessment activities include an alumni survey conducted at least every seven years and periodic meetings from a departmental Advisory Council, comprised of social workers and human service administrators in Southeastern Wisconsin. Both the survey and the Advisory Council recommended more coursework that was specifically aimed at a field of practice. Additionally, students who are taking their field placement (internship) are regularly questioned as to needs in the curriculum. A specific course in working with children and adolescents has been regularly mentioned.
 

Relationship to program assessment objectives:

See above

Budgetary impact:

The course will be offered every three semesters. Other electives will be offered less often

Course description:

This course is designed to introduce undergraduate students to the knowledge and skills necessary for working with children and adolescents including assessment and interview of this population, child welfare policy (Wisconsin Juvenile Code), practice settings (i.e. group homes), etc. The major emphasis will be on populations at risk (emotional problems, abuse/neglect, gay/lesbian, etc.), with a focus on current intervention approaches.

Course requisites:

Co-requisite: 860371

If dual listed, list graduate level requirements:

The research paper for graduate students will be larger and more in-depth. The grading criteria for in-class assignments is more rigorous for graduate students.

Course objectives and tentative course syllabus:

A. Review child development, family dynamics and ethnicity:
    1. Review developmental milestones of children/adolescents
    2. Evaluate developmental and familial considerations in assessing children at risk
    3. Identify mechanisms of oppression and discrimination which effect children/adolescents and their families
    4. Develop an understanding of how poverty effects child/adolescent development

B. Overview of child welfare law in Wisconsin
    1. The Children’s Code (Chapter 48)
    2. Protective Service System (Chapter 55)
    3. The Indian Child Welfare Act Juvenile Code (Chapter 938)

C. Develop critical thinking skills in assessing and interviewing children/adolescents
    1. Identify social work roles
    2. The assessment process
    3. Interviewing skills
    4. Respect for diversity
    5. Values, ethics
    6. Strengths perspective

D. Develop assessment skills for identifying children/adolescents at risk
    1. Examine/identify different types of emotional problems
    2. Identify and evaluate abuse, neglect, and sexually victimized children/adolescents
    3. Evaluate school failure and special populations
    4. Identify the effects of substance abuse on children/adolescents
    5. Examine issues related to adolescent sexuality, premature parenthood, and prostitution
    6. Identify and evaluate other at-risk populations

E. Examine/evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions
    1. Awareness of self in the process on intervention
    2. Play therapy
    3. Individual, family, and group intervention
    4. Case management
    5. Medications/hospitalization

F. Examine/evaluate the effectiveness of community social services and treatment settings
    1. Group homes
    2. Foster care
    3. Residential care
    4. Detention/incarceration
    5. Prevention programs

II. Texts: Allen-Meares, Paula Social Work with Children and Adolescents
                Pelzer, Dave A Child Called "It"

Supplemental handouts

COURSE FORMAT:

Class sessions will include lectures, discussion, demonstration, videotapes, experiential exercises, and role-playing to expand and apply concepts introduced in the readings. Students are expected to complete assigned readings before class and be prepared to discuss the material. This syllabus reflects the best prediction of how the course material will be covered. However, changes may occur. Students will be informed ahead of time of any changes in schedule or reading assignments.

EVALUATION AND GRADING:

The course grade will be determined by the following weighting:

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Response Papers: In order to help develop your critical thinking skills, you will be required to write four short response papers. After discussion of certain topics in class (i.e., behavioral disorders) you will be given a list of several questions to address. Papers should be two to four pages in length, typed, double-spaced, with a one-inch margin.
2. Research Paper:

 

 

1. Suggested focus:

• A particular adolescent disorder (ADHA, depression, etc..,) etiology, and effective treatment interventions.
• A specific approach (family therapy, behavioral modification, etc.), evaluation of treatment effectiveness.
• Analysis of a particular service delivery system (group home, foster care), evaluation of the programs. Do they help or hinder treating children/adolescents?

2. Context:

• Brief introduction of topic
• History and background
• Etiology
• If specific disorder, cite DSM IV criteria
• Statistics
• Critical analysis of treatment intervention or effectiveness of program (i.e. group home)
• Evaluation of outcomes
• The role of social work
• Your own opinions

3. Length:
From 10 to 15 pages, typed, and double-spaced

4. References:
Cite six to ten references, with at least two from social work journals

1. If you are having difficulty choosing a topic or wish to discuss the focus of your paper, please contact the instructor after class.
2. DUE DATE: December 14^th, 1999 at the start of class.

CLASS POLICIES:

1. Attendance and Class Participation: In order for us to have a meaningful and enjoyable learning experience, it is essential that all students regularly attend and participate in class sessions. If you miss more than three classes, your final grade may be lowered by up to 10 points for each additional class missed.
2. Late Policy: Unless prior arrangements have been made and approved by the instructor, any assignments performed or submitted late will have five (5) points subtracted from the grade earned for each day they are late. For example, a paper which is due during class on Tuesday which would normally be given a grade of 87% would receive a grade of 83% if submitted on Wednesday.
3. Exams: If you know you will not be in class on the day of an Exam, you need to make arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior in order to reschedule the Exam. Any Exam taken late is subject to the late policy unless it is a medical emergency.
4. Final Paper: Is due on the date scheduled, and CANNOT BE MADE UP!
5. Special Needs: If any student has difficulty taking notes, reading, completing assignments, etc. due to a learning or physical disability, please see the instructor immediately.
6. University Policies: The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is dedicated to a safe, supportive and nondiscriminatory learning environment. It is the responsibility of all undergraduate and graduate students to familiarize themselves with University policies regarding Special Accommodations, Misconduct, Religious Beliefs Accommodation, Discrimination, and Absence for University Sponsored Events. (For details, please refer to the Undergraduate and Graduate Timetables; the "Rights and Responsibilities" section of the Undergraduate Bulletin; the Academic Requirements and Policies, and the Facilities and Services sections of the Graduate Bulletin; the "Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures" [UWS Chapter 14]; and the "Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures" [UWS Chapter 17]).

3. TOPIC OUTLINE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS:

                           November 11
                            Interventions

Bibliography:

              Aiello, T. (1999). Child and adolescent treatment for social work practice. Free Press.

• Please submit electronically when approved at the college level - signature sheet to follow in hard copy.
• The 15 and 25 character abbreviations may be edited for consistency and clarity.