Child Welfare - Formerly Foster Care – Major #5581

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


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.

Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 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. 2. Apply effective guidance and interaction strategies that support children in the child welfare system in social learning, identity and self confidence.
  3. 3. Develop strategies that support relationships between children and their birth families, resource families, and child welfare staff.
  4. 4. Identify the role of the child welfare system and the impact of trauma on development.
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester

Course Requirements

15 units

CHDEV 12
Child Abuse

3 units

This course is typically only offered in a spring semester.

Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
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 1A

        CHDEV 30
        Child and Family in a Diverse Community

        3 units
        Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
        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-GE, UC, I)
        Course Details:
        1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
        1. G: Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences
        1. D7 - Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science
        2. CSU Transfer Course
        1. E2 - Lifetime Skills

        CHDEV 39
        Child Growth and Development

        3 units
        Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
        This course examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. An emphasis will be on the interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children of varying ages to evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories. (A, CSU-GE, UC, I)
        Course Details:
          1. G: Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences
          2. I: Psychology
          1. D7 - Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science
          2. D9 - Psychology
          3. E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
          4. CSU Transfer Course

            Introduction to Child Welfare

            3 units

            CHDEV 60
            Introduction to Child Welfare

            3 units
            Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
            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 1A
              1. CSU Transfer Course
                or

                HS 60
                Introduction to Child Welfare

                3 units
                Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
                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)

                HS 20
                Introduction to Social Welfare

                3 units

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

                Effective Term: 2016 Spring Semester
                Introduction to the social, economic, political, historical and philosophical components in the development of social welfare and social work in western society. Emphasis on knowledge base, value systems, and specific fields of social work practice.
                Total: 15 units