SYLLABUS
SW 1079-Child Welfare Services-BASW (Honors College Section)
Fall Term 2013
Mondays 9:00-11:50 AM
2318 Cathedral of Learning
Cynthia Bradley-King, PhD, MSW
University of Pittsburgh
School of Social Work
Administrative Assistant: Laura Stephany
CL 2329; (412) 624-6310
Las245@pitt.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays. 2-4:30 pm
Appointments Only-M, W-Th 1 pm-3 pm
Office 2302 CL; (412) 624-2830
Email: ckb11@pitt.edu
Fax: (412) 624-1159
Prerequisites: Introduction to Social Work
Course Description
The focus of this class is on the broad perspectives that have shaped policy in the area of children
and families in the United States. This course establishes a connection between child welfare
policy, services, and social work practice. It builds upon the foundation course in social welfare
policy, and enables students to use an action-based advocacy approach to provide policyinformed services and to participate in policy implementation and change.
The course will start with an historical view of the treatment of vulnerable children and the
subsequent development of child welfare services. We will study the evolution and enactment of
early child welfare policies through to the emergence of modern child welfare policies and their
impact on child welfare systems in a multicultural society; paying particular attention to the
effects of poverty, racial disproportionality in the child welfare system, the use of out-of-home
care as well as child abuse and neglect. Finally, professional self-development for competent
child welfare practice and advocacy is emphasized.
The School of Social Work definition of “generalist practice” was unanimously adopted by
faculty on April 15, 2009. This definition reads: “Generalist practice is grounded in the
liberal arts and the person and environment construct. To promote human and social wellbeing, generalist practitioners use a range of prevention and intervention methods in their
practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The generalist
practitioner identifies with the social work profession and applies ethical principles and critical
thinking in practice. Generalist practitioners incorporate diversity in their practice and
advocate for human rights and social and economic justice. They recognize, support, and build
on the strengths and resiliency of all human beings. They engage in research-informed practice
and are proactive in responding to the impact of context on professional practice.”
Electronic Recordings
To ensure the free and open discussion of ideas, students may not record classroom lectures,
discussion and/or activities without the advance written permission of the instructor, and any
such recording properly approved in advance can be used solely for the student’s own private
use
Course Objectives
Knowledge: Students will
 Critically examine the public child welfare system in the United States and the
variables that put children at-risk for out-of-home placement
 Describe how child welfare policy is implemented in the provision of services to
culturally diverse populations.
Skills: Students will
 Recognize the various disparities within the child welfare system
 Explain the impact of historic as well as contemporary child welfare policies;
 Integrate knowledge obtained from theory and apply it to the case studies presented;
including resources, protocols, and practice.
Values: Students will
 Identify the major ethical issues that confront the child welfare professional; and
 Apply strategies of ethical reasoning when developing interventions for families at risk.
Course objectives will be met through a combination of: lectures, case studies, audiovisuals, visiting child welfare, legal and education professionals, assignments and class
discussions
Text (Required)
Miller-Perrin, C. L. & Perrin, R. D. (2013) Child maltreatment: an introduction. Third
Edition.CA: SAGE Publications
Crosson-Tower, C. (2014) Understanding child abuse and neglect. Ninth Edition. MA: Allyn &
Bacon.
Readings
(All readings are required and available on Blackboard)
Basis for Grading
The assignments for this course include:
I. Research paper-30 pts
II. Mid-Term Assignment-20 pts
III. Comprehensive final exam-40 pts
IV. Class participation and attendance-10 pts
I. Research Paper
The research paper must have the following headings: 10 point deduction if missing
 Introduction to the issue-identify and describe the topic you are researching, including
the scope of the issue.
 Review of the Literature: Explain the history of the issue and what is known. Define atrisk factors and populations. Include relevant literature from credible text, journals and
other sources.
 Interventions and Services: Provide information regarding current (local and/or national)
programs and services available to mitigate the problem.
 Conclusions: Summarize the current status of the issue. Include personal thoughts with
corroborating support from the literature about the future development of services you
feel are significant in addressing the issue.
 Bibliography: Provide an ANNOTATED bibliography of all sources of information
(references and citations used). At least four professional (text and journal) references
must be used. Two additional sources may be used from the World Wide Web.
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The research paper must not be less than 12 nor exceed 15 pages (not including the bibliography)
in length; have 12 point, Times New Roman or Arial font; double spaced with one inch margins
all around, cover page and use APA formatting for bibliography
(See: http://www.apastyle.org/elecref.html)
Please visit the Writing Center if you need help.
Research Paper Topics (will be assigned)
1. Child Welfare policies (ASFA, Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act, CAPTA, &
MEPA)
2. Domestic Adoption
3. Kinship Care`
4. Child Neglect
5. Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
6. Child Sexual Abuse
7. Human Trafficking, prostitution and pornography
8. Psychological/Emotional Maltreatment
9. Child Physical Abuse
10. The History of Child Protection
11. Educational and Health Neglect
12. International Adoption
13. Incest
14. Child Welfare Disproportionality and Disparity
15. Domestic violence and Child Welfare
II. Mid-term Assignment-Case Study
Case Studies are located on Course web. Choose two and follow case study directions.
III. Final Exam
The content of the exam will derive from text topics, class lectures and required and
recommended readings. The exam will have essay, completion, matching and multiple choice
questions.
IV. Class Participation & Attendance
All students are expected to participate in classroom discussions which help to demonstrate
comprehension of readings and material presented. Attendance is required
(Missing three classes will result in a failing grade).
Expectations of Students
Students are expected to:
 Read the required texts
 Supplement their knowledge with additional readings and journal articles
 Demonstrate comprehension through thoughtful reflection and class participation
 Pass written exam and quiz
 Attend all classes (absences will negatively affect the course evaluation process)
 Arrive for class at the designated time (tardiness will negatively affect the evaluation
process
 Follow University policies governing the circumstances of the “G” or “I” grade
 Adhere to deadlines regarding the completion of course work
 Refrain from using cell phones/texting during class except in emergencies
 Be courteous and attentive during lectures and presentations.
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The instructor assumes students understand the concept of plagiarism (the improper use, or
failure to attribute, another person's writing or ideas {intellectual property}. It can be as subtle
as the inadvertent neglect to include quotes or references when citing another source or as
blatantly unethical as knowingly copying an entire paper verbatim and claiming it as your own
work). The University of Pittsburgh considers plagiarism a violation of its code of academic
integrity. See "Student Obligations and Adjudication" (University Policy 02-03-03). Consult
"Avoiding Plagiarism" and "Ending Plagiarism" for answers to any further questions on
plagiarism. The submission of any plagiarized work will automatically result in a failing grade
for this course with no opportunity to re-submit.
University/School/Course Policies
Americans with Disabilities Act: Any students with disabilities who require unique
accommodations must inform the instructor (ASAP) of their registration with the Office of
Disability Resources and Services (216 William Pitt Union-(412) 648-7890 (TTY) (412) 3837355). DRS will verify your disability and determine reasonable for this course. Please go to
www.drs.pitt.edu for a comprehensive description of services provided.
Nondiscrimination: The University prohibits and will not engage in discrimination or
harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status,
familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the
Vietnam era.
Academic Integrity: Students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct established
by the University and the Academic Integrity Policy of the School of Social Work, which is
described in the Student Handbook http://www.pitt.edu/~pittssw/academics.html.
Religious Holidays: If you need to miss class due to religious observances, notify the instructor
in advance to make alternative arrangements.
Guests
Throughout the semester, guest speakers will provide information from the following
perspectives:
1. Child Welfare and the Public Education System
2. Medical recognition of physical abuse in children
3. Child Welfare Professionals
4. Adoptive/Foster Families
5. Legal-Child Abuse Unit/Domestic Sexual Abuse Crimes
Films
1. The Unquiet Death of Eli Creekmore
2. The Orphan Trains of Charles Loring Brace
3. Fostering Permanency: Case Studies in Child Welfare
4. Child Welfare Overview: Caseworker experiences
5. American Justice: A Family Secret-The Death of Lisa Steinberg
6. Investigative Reports: The Child Sex Trade
7. Family to Family: Supporting Adolescents in Foster Care-Voices of Youth
8. Broken Child
9. The Mary Beth Tinning Story: Munchausen by Proxy
10. The Listening heart: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
11. Child Welfare: The Vulnerable Child (3 videos)
12. Human Trafficking
13. American Justice: Child Sex Trade
14. Child Warriors
15. Precious
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COURSE SCHEDULE AND AGENDA
Class Meeting 1
August 26, 2013
(No class September 3 -Labor Day)
Topic: Introduction to course. Overview of course goals, objectives, requirements and evaluation
(Quiz & Final) Assignments: Research Paper, attendance and participation; Child Welfare
Education for Baccalaureates–CWEB; Current Child Welfare Statistics
Video: Child Welfare Caseworker Overview
Class Meeting 2
September 9, 2013
Topic: The History of Child Maltreatment and Protection
Text: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 1; Perrin Chap 1
Readings: Child Saving in the Progressive Era; Mary Ellen Story; More on Mary Ellen
Video: Orphan Trains
Class Meeting 3
September 16, 2013
Topic: The Family, Roles, Responsibilities and Rights/Parents, Families and Child Maltreatment
and Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
Text: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 2; Perrin, Chap 2
Readings: Changing Clients Challenging Times
Video: Broken Child
Class Meeting 4
September 23, 2013
Topic: Child Protection System and Identifying Child abuse and Neglect; Physical abuse
Text: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 3; Perrin, Chap. 3
Readings: Mandatory Reporting; Recognizing Child Abuse
Videos: The Death of Lisa Steinberg; Child Warriors
Class Meeting 5
September 30, 2013 (No class October 7, 2013)
Topic: Child Abuse and Neglect, Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome
Text: Crosson-Tower Chapters 4 and 5; Perrin, Chap 5 & pg. 215 box 7.1
Readings: Annual Child Abuse Report 2009; Protecting abused and neglected children
Videos: The Mary Beth Tinning Story: Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome; Unquiet Death of Eli
Creekmoore
Class Meeting 6
October 15, 2013
(This is a Tuesday) Research Paper Due
Topic: Child Sexual Abuse and Incest
Text: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 6, 7, 8; Perrin, Chap 4
Readings: Sex Trafficking of Children
Videos: Child Sex Trade
Class Meeting 7
October 21, 2013
Topic: Child Welfare Case Management; Roles of Other Professionals
Text: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 11;
Readings: Porchlight I and II
Guests: (Vice Principal Gerri Abrams)
Video: Child Welfare: The Vulnerable Child
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Class Meeting 8
October 28, 2013
Topic: The Legal Response to Child Abuse and Neglect
Text: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 12; Perrin, Pg. 271-273
Readings: Child Welfare Policies: (ASFA, MEPA, AACWA; Mandated Reporting
Guest: Assistant District Attorney
Class Meeting 9
November 4, 2013
Case Studies Due
Topic: Out of Home Care: Foster Care, Kinship Care, Group Homes and Institutions
Text: Crosson-Tower-Chapters 10 & 15; Perrin, pg. 269-271
Readings: Formal Foster Care; PA Kinship factsheet;
Guest: Allegheny County Children Youth and Families
Video: LGBTQ Foster Youth Tell Their Stories
Class Meeting 10
November 11, 2013
Topic: Adoption, Aging out of Foster Care
Readings: Adoption in America, Basics of Adoption Practice, Transracial adoption and MEPA`
Guests: Adoptive Family (Dr. Rose Moriarty, Dr. Christina Newhill, Dr. Annette Scott-Piper,
Video: Voices of Youth: Supporting Adolescents in Foster Care
Class Meeting 11
November 18, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving
Topic: Racial Disproportionality in Child Welfare System
Readings: Institutional Racism in child welfare, the Impact of CW Policies on AA families,
Understanding AA families
Video: Children in foster Care: Case Studies
Class Meeting 12
November 25, 2013
Topic: Special Topics in Child Maltreatment
Text: Crosson-Tower-Chapter 9; Perrin, Chap 8, 9, 10
Readings: When drug addicts have children; ASFA and Substance Abuse;
Videos: The Listening heart: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; Child Warriors
Class Meeting 13
Review
Video: Precious
December 2, 2013
Final Exam Week
December 9, 2013
Final Exam Distributed
Have a great Holiday Vacation!! Final Due
Course Deadlines: Course assignments are due on the dates indicated and will not be
accepted beyond the due dates. There are no make-up exams or extensions except when
extenuating circumstances dictate (i.e.: death in family, illness or hospitalization). Prior
notification to the instructor is required.
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