Master of Social Work - Child and Family Practice

The program seeks to prepare advanced family and child welfare practitioners who act as agents of social change who in turn will promote individual and societal well-being. These curricula goals are grounded within a liberal arts foundation to ensure that student practices are grounded in traditional values and theory and be current with the demands of the changing practice environment. The MSW curricula goals are derived from three sources: (1) the goals of Illinois State University, (2) the goals of the School of Social Work, and (3) the objectives of the MSW Program. In addition, and much more importantly, the MSW curricula goals are consistent with the purpose and structure of Master level social work education as mandated by CSWE Curriculum Policy Statement M5.1 through M5.4.5. In this concentration most suited to their needs. Students will specialize in agency-based practice with and on behalf of children and families at risk. It emphasizes the development, delivery, and management of services to meet the specific needs of children and families. The curriculum prepares graduates for advanced practice across an array of settings including mental health centers and institutions, public and private child welfare agencies, substance abuse programs, youth centers, prevention agencies, hospitals, homeless programs, domestic violence centers, courts, and community centers. This concentration gives special emphasis to four key social problems affecting children and families: poverty, mental illness, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Understanding these social problems is central to serving at-risk clients.