Course Syllabus

 

 

Dr. Shawn A. Lawrence, LCSW

 

Instructor Contact

Instructor	Shawn A. Lawrence, PhD, LCSW
Office	HPA 240
Office Hours	Mondays 3-5, Tuesdays  3-5, Wednesdays 1-2
Phone	(407) 823-3112
E-mail	shawn.lawrence@ucf.edu

 

Course Information

Course Name	Children Services In Social Work
Course ID & Section	SOW 6652.0M01
Credit Hours	3
Semester/Year	Fall /2013
Location	HPA I 106

 

 

Course Description

Study of societal responses to children’s needs. Development of knowledge and skills for preventing family breakdown, placing children in alternative care and reuniting children with their families

Course Objectives

By the end of the term, students should be able to:

1. Develop an enhanced professional identity through an overview of past and current child welfare philosophies and policies; and of current practices, standards, and issues.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, skills, ethics, and values needed by child welfare practitioners.
3. Critically analyze the social and organizational systems that are responsible for the delivery of child welfare services.
4. Examine the student’s sensitivity to racial, cultural and religious factors that affect the provision of child welfare services to various populations and the implication this has for practice.
5. Evaluate the history of local, state and federal programs and their responsibility in providing services to children and their families who are in need.
6. Demonstrate understanding of Chapter 39, Florida Statutes, including the Adoption & Safe Families Act language, and the range of services provided by the Department of Children and Families and other agencies to protect children and to prevent family violence.
7. Critically analyze factors in assessing child safety, risk and resilience.
8. Evaluate child protective services, adoption, foster care, permanency planning and family preservation services.
9. Research and appraise the current structures, types and characteristics of child welfare delivery systems, as well as impediments to reform and model service shifts being tested.
10. Evaluate funding streams, alternative funding strategies and their political and economic context.
11. Develop knowledge and skills of best practices designed to work with children and families in foster care and adoption including delivery of mental health services.
12. Examine varying family structures, lifestyles and needs with emphasis on identifying strengths and resiliency.

Required Text

Henderson, D. A., & Thompson, C. L. (2011). Counseling Children (8th ed). Belmont CA: Brooks/Cole.

American Psychological Association (2009). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological

Association.

Supplemental Texts

Crosson-Tower, C. (2004). Exploring child welfare: A practice perspective (5th ed.) Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Evaluation and Grading

Add your evaluation and grading policies here. You may also choose to keep a table below that best fits your grading scale.

Letter Grade	Points
A	95 – 100 points
A-	90 – 94 points
B+	87 – 89 points
B	84 – 86 points
B-	80 – 83 points
C+	77 – 79 points
C	74 – 76 points
C-	70 – 73 points
D+	67 – 69 points
D	64 – 66 points
D-	60 – 63 points
F	59 and below

 

 

Activity	Points	Due Date
Midterm	30	10/14
Research Paper	40	11/4
Assessment	10	11/25
Discussions	10	ongoing
Final Exam	30	12/9
Total	120

 

EXAMINATIONS:

There will be two exams: a midterm and final examination that will consist of questions taken from material covered in e class and in assigned readings. Each exam may have any combination of true/false, multiple choice, matching, completion, and short answer questions.

ASSESSMENT PAPER

The student will utilize critical thinking skills in developing an assessment for a client who has experienced significant physical and emotional abuse and who has interacted with various social and organizational systems. Using both a systems and a resiliency perspective, that includes the identification of risk and protective factors, the student will discuss purpose, observation, intervention, plan, outcome and subjective thoughts. Specific guidelines for this assignment will be discussed in class.

DISCUSSIONS:

Five of the modules have discussion assignments.  You are required to post an original discussion and respond to one of your classmates.  Each discussion is worth 2 points.

RESEARCH PAPER 

Referencing the current version of the Florida Statutes relating to children in Chapter 39, students will research and critically examine an issue related to course content. This paper is intended to focus on systemic(micro, mezzo, macro) issues that is related to child welfare. (Examples include: teen pregnancy, teen violence, family preservation, efficacy of residential settings) The issue is to be addressed in terms of prevalence, effects on children, role of the professional social worker in addressing the issue, current evidenced based intervention techniques, and implications for social work practice. Guidelines are located under the assignment tab.

Written Assignments: 

Effective written communication skills are essential to professional social work practice. Thus, students are expected to present their ideas clearly and properly and to adhere to accepted standards of writing.APA format, Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are to be correct in all written materials and will be considered in grading written assignments. All written assignments must be submitted in MICROSOFT WORD format. Those assignments submitted in any other format will not be graded and you will be required to resubmit and it will be considered late. All documents must be in a 12-font print, and all margins must be one inch.

All assignments must include a title page. Those assignments submitted without a title page will not be graded and you will be required to resubmit the paper and it will be considered late. The title page of a paper is not considered to be a page of text.

Work not conforming to these standards or demonstrating serious deficiencies in common English usage will be returned ungraded and a late grade will be earned. Late assignments will receive a deduction of 5% per day. References should be included in the APA documentation style. Students are encouraged to use the University Writing Center (UWC) for assistance in preparing written assignments. The UWC is located in MOD 608 (near the Communications Building). UWC staff may be reached at (407) 823-2197 or http://www.uwc.ucf.edu/.

The assignments will emphasize the integration of interviewing, verbal, conceptualization and writing skills in practice. All assignments will be evaluated and graded on the following criteria as well as the criteria provided in the grading rubrics.

1. Appropriate use of APA writing style.

2. Adequate number of references cited.

3. Organization and clarity of ideas presented.

4. Ability to integrate theory and practice appropriately.

5. Ability to use analytical skills throughout the assignment.

6. Creative ways of responding to the instructions beyond the requirements.

Late Assignments

All assignments must be turned in through the submit assignment tab in webcourses by the beginning of class. (630 PM). No assignments will be accepted by fax or email. Late assignments will lose 5% for each day that they are late regardless of the reason.

No assignment will be accepted after 630  the last day of class- Monday December 9th 630PM

Academic Honesty

Social workers must demonstrate high standards of integrity. Every student is expected to do his or her own work and all of the work produced will be expected to be completed in its entirety by the student who turns it in. The assignments for this class, with the exception of the poster presentation are to be done INDIVIDUALLY.

Plagiarism and cheating of any kind on an examination, quiz, or assignment will result a zero for that assignment (and may, depending on the severity of the case, lead to an "F" for the entire course) and may be subject to appropriate referral to the Office of Student Conduct for further action. See the UCF Golden Rule for further information. I will assume for this course that you will adhere to the academic creed of this University and will maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. In other words, don't cheat by giving answers to others or taking them from anyone else. I will also adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity, so please do not ask me to change (or expect me to change) your grade illegitimately or to bend or break rules for one person that will not apply to everyone.Copying and Pasting" even with a citation is considered plagiarism.You must reword and cite. School and University policies on academic integrity will be strictly enforced (See the UCF Golden Rule for further information). Students who observe others violate this policy are expected to report this to the instructor.

 

It is assumed for this course that students will adhere to the academic creed of the University and will maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. In other words, do not cheat by giving answers to others or taking them from anyone else. The instructor also adheres to the highest standards of academic integrity, so please do not ask for your grade to be changed without just cause or to bend or break rules for one person that will not apply to everyone. I do not offer extra credit for any reason!

Turnitin.com:

Your instructor uses turnitin.com for all assignments. Turnitin.com is an online system which determines if work has been copied from another source. All submitted assignments are routed through turnitin.com.  For a more detailed look at this process, please visit http://www.turnitin.com.  All assignments are to be turned in through the assignment tab on webcourses. They will automatically be routed through turnitin.com. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE to turn in your assignments, it is your responsibility to get the assignment turned in on time. Any assignments turned in after 630 will be considered late and will receive a reduction in grade (5% per day).

Library Resources: 

The UCF Libraries has a full array of paper and electronic resources available for students and their research needs. Students will be expected to utilize UCF library resources to search library databases for required readings.

The following web sites which can help students find information, navigate through databases and learn how to use the library:

1. Library Instruction sessions - http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Instruction

 2. Library Research Tutorials -http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Instruction/LIToursTutorials.asp

 3. Streaming videos -http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Videos/Default.asp

 4. Research Guides - http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Guides/

 5. Ask a Librarian service -http://library.ucf.edu/Ask/

 6. Consult with the librarian familiar with Social Work—Mr. Hal Mendelsohn

In addition to paper copies of books and journals, UCF students have the ability to access a vast selection of journals and books in electronic format while on or off campus. The web address to the library's catalog is http://library.ucf.edu/. The Ask A Librarian service provides students the ability to contact a library professional either by phone, on-line chat or email, and ask for assistance on "how to" locate, research, and obtain library materials. The web address for Ask A Librarian is http://library.ucf.edu/Ask/. A series of streaming videos, showing students how to search for a book or journal article, has been developed and are available at http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Videos/Default.asp. Research Guides for different majors, that list books, journals, databases, and web sites have been developed and are available in electronic format at http://library.ucf.edu/Reference/Guides/. Another service to help students conduct library research is called Research Consultation. After a student has conducted his/her research and is in need of additional information, s/he can work with a librarian to locate material with the help of his/her expert searching capabilities. To set-up a Research Consultation, students can either come into the library and sign-up at the Reference Desk or call the library Reference Office at 407-823-5880. Finally, students are always encouraged to visit the library and ask a Reference Librarian how best to conduct one's research. If a student has a simple question on how to locate either a book or journal title, the UCF Reference Libraries are happy to provide this type of service too.

 

ONLINE RESOURCES:

The slides and assignment guidelines are available to students on webcourses. The files are in Word and PDF format and can be accessed by using acrobat reader. Acrobat reader can be downloaded from the internet free of charge. If you are having "computer issues" or are otherwise unable to access the slides you will need to make arrangements with a classmate to copy the handouts. The instructor will not be emailing or handing out the slides or assignment guidelines to students.

POLICIES:

In addition to the information below, the student should become familiar with School of Work Student Handbook and The Golden Rule Handbook for UCF Students. All policies included in these handbooks apply to this class.

Modification of Syllabus:

This syllabus may be modified at the discretion of the instructor. Changes will be discussed in class and/or announced on the course website and in class.

Cell phones, PDA’s, Smartphones and Tablets:

Students are asked to turn off cell phones, PDA’s and tablets during class sessions. Students using these devices during class will be asked to leave the room.

Audiotaping of Course Lectures:

Students are prohibited from audiotaping any part of the course lectures, unless the student is registered with the university's Student Disability Office and requires such arrangement for learning purposes. Students with special needs that require this accommodation must discuss this personally with the instructor at the beginning of the course.

 Classroom Decorum:

Professional behavior is a central component of social work practice, education and research Unprofessional behavior includes but is not limited to: arriving late to class or leaving early or during a video or guest speaker, sleeping in class, texting, instant messaging (or otherwise engaging in activities on your PDA or tablet), carrying on conversations with a fellow student during a lecture, using disrespectful language or comments toward a student or your instructor (either out loud or under your breath), putting feet on desk, heckling the faculty members or students. Students who engage in any of these behaviors will be asked to leave the classroom and may be reported to the Office of Student Conduct

The instructor expects students to respect the culture, values, beliefs and rights of their classmates. During class sessions, alternate points of view are encouraged and should be received by others with respect. Students should feel free to express their opinions and to refer to relevant personal situations without fear of disapproval or disrespect; however, the classroom is not the place where students should indulge in personal venting or support seeking

Attendance Policy:

Student attendance and participation are integral parts of this course. Students are expected to attend each class, arrive on time, and remain for the duration of the class. Students who miss three or more classes for any reason may receive a letter grade deduction (this does not mean that you can miss two classes and then present a doctor’s note for further absences. Do NOT take mental health days!) Students are also expected to assume responsibility for their own learning and to actively involve themselves in class discussions and exercises. Students must be prepared for class (i.e., complete readings and other assignments prior to class). Make-up exams will be given ONLY in extreme circumstances. These circumstances include exceptional health EMERGENCIES (that require that the student bring in medical documentation), and the makeup exam will be an essay exam. Out-of-town vacations, trips, mild colds, and other similar circumstances do not qualify as extreme. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain class notes and any other information from a classmate. Do not email your instructor asking for missed materials.

Attendance during Finals Week:

It is university policy that all classes MUST meet for either a final exam or a class session.

Email Communication:

All email communication for this class must be conducted through the webcourses website (not through ucf.edu). All emails must include your name and written in a professional manner (no typos, proper greeting, respectful). I will respond to emails within 48 hours. I do not respond to emails after 5pm on Friday until 9am on Mondays. I do not respond to emails on holidays.

Incomplete Grades:

In exceptional circumstances (death in the family, serious illness), an incomplete grade may be given per School and University policies. Individual arrangements must be made with the instructor for the completion of the course requirements, but in no case will the date set extend beyond the end of the following semester. Students who experience chronic medical or personal problems that prevent them from attending class regularly are encouraged to review policies relating to securing a leave of absence from their university studies.

 

Disability Statement

The University of Central Florida is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities who need accommodations in this course must contact the professor at the beginning of the semester to discuss needed accommodations. No accommodations will be provided until the student has met with the professor to request accommodations. Students who need accommodations must be registered with Student Disability Services, Student Resource Center Room 132, phone (407) 823-2371, TTY/TDD only phone (407) 823-2116, before requesting accommodations from the professor.

Copyright

This course may contain copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.

Third-Party Software and FERPA

During this course you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor.

THE UCF CREED:

Integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence are the core values that guide our conduct, performance, and decisions.

Integrity: I will practice and defend academic and personal honesty.

Scholarship: I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of mymembership in the UCF community.

Community: I will promote an open and supportive campus environment by respecting the rights and contributions of every individual.

Creativity: I will use my talents to enrich the human experience.

Excellence: I will strive toward the highest standards of performance in any endeavorI undertake.

Schedule

Dates	Week	Mode	Content	Assignments Due (all are due by 630on due date)-Reading assignments are contained in each module
8/19	1	Face to Face	The Historical Context of Child Welfare Unit Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss syllabus 2. Discuss course expectations 3. Discuss assignments 4. The evolution of Child Welfare in the US 5. The current status of children and Child Welfare in the US
8/26	2	online	Societal Problems that Impact Children Unit Learning Objectives: 1. Children and violence 2. Children and substance abuse 3. Homeless families 4. Homeless and runaway youth Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting Unit Learning Objectives: 1. Historical perspective 2. Demographics 3. Teens at risk 4. Prevention	Crosson-Tower, Chapter 4, Violence, Addiction, and Homelessness     Crosson-Tower, Chapter 10, Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting
9/2	3	Labor Day	No Class
9/9	4	online	Introduction to the Public Child Welfare System Unit Learning Objectives: 1. Characteristics of poor children 2. Consequences of growing up in poverty 3. Recent efforts to fight poverty 4. Economics of poverty	Crosson-Tower Chapter 3, Children and Poverty
9/16	5	Face to face	Adoption Services Unit Learning Objectives: 1. The adoptive parent, the biological parents, and the adopted child 2. Adoptions policy and program issues 3. Special Adoption Issues Substitute Family Care Unit Learning Objectives: 1. When families break down 2. Foster family care: the foster parents, the biological parents, and the foster child as child and adult 3. A continuum of temporary and permanent child placement	1. Crosson-Tower, Chapter 12, Serving the Developing Child 2. Crosson-Tower, Chapter 11, Children in Family Foster Care
9/23	6	online	Counseling for Children and Families Unit Learning Objectives: 1. The counseling process 2. Types of Counseling 3. Children and Grief 4. Ethical considerations	Henderson & Thompson , Chapter 3, The counseling process
9/30	7	Face to face	Reality Counseling 1. The counseling process	Henderson & Thompson, Chapters 8
10/7	8	online	Brief Counseling  1. The counseling process	Henderson & Thompson Chapter 10
10/14	9	Face to face	midterm	midterm
10/21	10	online	Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) 1. The counseling process Behavioral counseling 1. The counseling process	Henderson & Thompson Chapter 9 & 12
10/28	11	Face to face	Introduction to Child Protection Unit Learning Objectives: 1. The Child Maltreatments 2. Policy, program and practice when children are neglected, physically and sexually abused. 3. What happens when maltreatment is reported? Legal Considerations in counseling children	Crosson-Tower. Chapter 7, Protecting Children When Families Cannot; Child Abuse and Neglect;   Henderson & Thompson, Chapter 4
11/4	12	online	Gestalt Therapy 1. The counseling process	Henderson & Thompson Chapter 7
11/11		Veterans day	No class
11/18	13	online	Person Centered Counseling 1. The counseling process	Henderson & Thompson Chapter 6
11/25	14	Face to face	Play Therapy 1. The counseling process	Henderson & Thompson Chapter 17
12/2	15	online	Counseling Children with Special Concerns 1. The counseling process	Henderson & Thompson Chapter 19
12/9		Face to face	Final

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Exam is on 4/29  TBA