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Child Welfare Concentration

This undergraduate Concentration provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental skills and systemic knowledge of the child welfare and related fields, practical understanding of the practices and policies surrounding worker roles and responsibilities, and preparation to attain industry-recognized credentials needed for employment in DCFS and community-based organizations serving DCFS clients.

This Concentration is presented through a partnership between NLU Bachelor of Social Work program and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) University Academic Partnership Program. The knowledge included in the IDCFS Placement/Permanency Foundation Training curriculum for caseworkers is integrated throughout, and that content is included on the professional employment exams discussed below.

Students will complete three concentration courses. Upon completion of all courses in the Child Welfare Concentration, students are eligible for expedited Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL) upon subsequent hire by an Illinois child welfare agency in a case-carrying role with the Placement/Permanency Specialty. Students will take the Child Welfare Employee Licensure (CWEL) Exam, as well as the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Exam. The exams will qualify them for certification in the Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP) and the Placement Specialty Exam that are required for those providing direct child welfare services to Illinois families with children placed in substitute care.

Program Details

  • Requires 15 QH for completion
  • Requires a minimum grade of "C" for each course in the concentration
  • The maximum of 5 QH can be transferred if a student was enrolled in the same program at an accredited Social Work institution
  • The same courses may not be used to satisfy the concentration, minor or program major requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of all courses/all content in the DCFS University Partnership Program, students will be able to:

1. Recognize the importance of supervision and professional development.

2. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in child welfare casework.

3. Demonstrate cultural competence in child welfare casework.

4. Apply Procedures 315 to permanency planning.

5. Engage families in the child welfare process.

6. Complete the required child welfare assessments.

7. Assess child safety using the Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP).

8. Follow service planning process.

9. Participate in court and legal proceedings.

Admission Requirements

The concentration requires students to be currently enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at National Louis University and declare their concentration through the Change of Program form (COP). Students may also take any courses in the concentration as general electives, subject to meeting appropriate course prerequisites, and may request enrollment in the concentration at any time in their progression toward their degree. Students are encouraged to declare their formal interest in the concentration upon entry to National Louis University but preferably by the completion of 90 quarter hours.

Required Courses

Child Welfare Undergraduate Concentration


SWK 312Fundamentals for Safeguarding Children

5
SWK 313Child Welfare Systems and Services

5
SWK 406Child Protection Practices Seminar

5

Total Credit Hours: 15