SWK 510

Social Welfare Policy

Students build on their understanding of the historical role of social policy in the United States by developing a solid understanding of the structure of contemporary social work and social welfare. They build on their understanding of social work ethics by learning the ethical requirements of policy practice. They develop a solid overview of the relevant laws and regulations that impact practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, and learn the terminology necessary to think critically about the policy arena. They identify social welfare policies and services at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services. Social workers recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. They come to understand the global interconnections of oppression and human rights violations, and that every person has fundamental human rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care, and education. Finally, they identify, analyze, formulate and advocate for social policies that address human needs and advance social justice in a way that is consistent with human rights.

Units: 3.0