Undergraduate Certificate in Child Welfare Practice

Purpose

To provide BSSW students with the specialized skills, knowledge, and practice competencies in order to carry out the services and statutory responsibilities for the care and protection of children; and to provide the community-based care (CBC) providers with skilled staff, that are prepared to meet the critical service needs of Florida's children and families.

Benefits to Students

• Students will receive the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively assess and intervene with vulnerable children and families.
• Students will receive direct practice experience with a community-based care (CBC) child protection agency.
• Students will receive a Certificate in Child Welfare Practice.

Program Requirements

• Students eligible for this program must be fully admitted into the Social Work BSSW program and must be registered as full-time students (12 credits for BSSW).
• Students also must complete clearance for CBC employment prior to program acceptance. The assessment and evaluation process may include an abuse registry check, driver's license check, drug screening, references check, fingerprint and background screening and an interview.
• After graduation, students will be required to fulfill employment at a community-based care (CBC) provider for one year.
• Students must complete the following:

1. SOW 4654 Child Welfare Practice: Assessment and Planning
2. SOW 4658 Mental Health Services for Children & Adolescents in Child Welfare
3. Two consecutive field internships in the same CBC agency.