Child Welfare - Formerly Foster Care – Major #5581 - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.
It is also important to discuss your transfer options with a counselor because each university will require specific courses.

The Certificate of Achievement in Child Welfare is designed to prepare students to work with children and families who are part of the child welfare system. Students will gain a basic understanding of the child welfare system and various community resources. They will also learn basic interventions and techniques to support children and families receiving services through the child welfare system.

1. Integrate understanding of the needs, the characteristics and multiple influences on development of children birth to age eighteen who are in out-of-home placement due to issues of neglect and/or abuse.

2. Apply effective guidance and interaction strategies that support children in the child welfare system in social learning, identity and self confidence.

3. Develop strategies that support relationships between children and their birth families, resource families, and child welfare staff.

4. Identify the role of the child welfare system and the impact of trauma on development.

Program Map

Course Requirements

15 units
CDEV 12
Child Abuse
This course will explore the issues related to abused, battered, and neglected children, including profiles of abusers. Reporting laws, the legal process and professional responsibilities will be identified. Identification, prevention and treatment of abused children and abusers will be covered. (A, CSU)

Course Details:

  1. Advisory: ENGL C1000
    1. CSU Transfer
      CDEV 30
      Child and Family in a Diverse Community
      This course emphasizes the processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. The course examines the influence of multiple societal contexts including race, equity, and language. Students will explore the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, birth through adolescence. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)

      Course Details:

      1. Advisory: ENGL C1000
        1. CSU Transfer
          CDEV C1000
          Child Growth and Development
          (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)

          Course Details:

              1. CSU Transfer
                Introduction to Child Welfare
                This course is an introduction to child welfare history, policies, and practices. Students will explore the goals of child welfare including safety, a permanent family and well-being of every child. The course emphasizes practices for preventing, remedying, and mitigating child maltreatment. (A, CSU)

                Course Details:

                1. Advisory: ENGL C1000
                  1. CSU Transfer
                    OR
                    This course is an introduction to child welfare history, policies, and practices. Students will explore the goals of child welfare including safety, a permanent family and well-being of every child. The course emphasizes practices for preventing, remedying, and mitigating child maltreatment. (A, CSU)

                    Course Details:

                    1. Advisory: ENGL C1000
                      1. CSU Transfer
                        HS 20
                        Introduction to Social Welfare
                        This course is the introduction to the social, economic, political, historical and philosophical components important in the development of the US social welfare system and the social work profession. Instruction maintains an emphasis on the knowledge base, value systems, and specific fields of social work practice. (A, CSU, UC)

                        Course Details:

                        1. Advisory: ENGL C1000
                          1. CSU Transfer

                            This course is typically only offered every other fall semester (FA 2024, FA 2026, FA 2028, etc.).