The course examines the origins and needs of the expanding field of community mental health. The study and analysis of the legislation and policy pertaining to programs and agencies which have been developed to serve children and families in poverty, adoption, foster care, custody, guardianship, teenage pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, and other problems of youth. An orientation to social and medical problems and services associated with the aging process. The course provides an overview of the factors influencing the definition and treatment of individuals needing assistance. An integrative course designed to help the social work generalist refine practice skills with individuals, families, groups and communities.
Emphasis is placed upon practice skills, practice evaluation and innovative interventive approaches.
An integration between classroom and field through an actual placement in an agency which provides Social Work services. The seminar meets once each week. It is required to be taken simultaneously with enrollment in SOSW 426. An examination of the social service agency as a unique type of formal organization designed to meet human needs. Administrative processes, agency purpose, structure and function are studied as they facilitate the delivery of social services.