Families, Youth, and Transition to Adulthood (FYT)

This specialization recognizes that social conditions greatly impact the ability of families and children to be safe, be resilient, remain housed, have access to healthcare, endure as a unit of care and support, offer nurturance and sustenance, have access to and succeed in the educational system, and remain outside the criminal justice system. Social workers comprise the primary workforce in this domain of practice, developing culturally responsive policies, planning and implementing community programs, designing and supervising psycho-educational prevention programs, and providing individual, group and family services to assist individuals in the community and in schools.

This specialization will develop competencies for students interested in practice, research, policy and systemic change in areas such as:

• Child Maltreatment and Child Welfare
• Mental Health Services
• Health Disparities
• Youth Care Coordination
• Interpersonal and Community Violence/Trauma
• School Social Work
• Social Work in Colleges and Universities
• Juvenile Justice
• Children of Incarcerated Parents

*Psychopathology and three electives may be taken in any semester after the successful completion of the First Year. 

Required Courses and Descriptions

HWC 531 - Advanced Practice Skills I: Clinical Interventions with Children, Youth, & Families 
This course emphasizes the understanding of developmental theories and application to culturally responsive and trauma-informed practice with families and youth. Focus is placed on learning how to recognize developmental issues and their implications for clinical assessment, engagement, and early intervention strategies. Topics include tele-social work with youth and families, play therapy, and early intervention therapeutic skills development. Familial, cultural, and environmental factors that influence development are discussed. Must be taken concurrently with HWC 502. 3 credits, Fall Semester

HWC 532 - Advanced Practice Skills II:  Clinical Interventions: MI, CBT, & DBT Skills
Building on the knowledge and skills in Advanced Practice Skills I, this course focuses on enhancing clinical effectiveness in interactions with children, adolescents, and young adults by strengthening assessment and diagnostic skills. Topics include child welfare related interviewing skills, parenting and communication skills including tele-social work practice, advanced solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), behavioral health assessment and interventions, and rapid assessment tools. All of these topics are addressed within a trauma- and culturally-responsive framework. Professional and ethical considerations, evaluation of intervention effectiveness, and service delivery in an agency context are woven throughout the course. Must be taken concurrently with HWC 503. 3 credits, Spring Semester

HWC 534 - Advanced Policy Practice 
This course addresses the local, state, federal, and organizational policies relevant to social work practice with families, youth, and young adults. Students will engage in policy analysis including a critical analysis of oppression and inequality in the context of child and family policies.  In addition, the course will explore culturally sensitive skill development and competencies related to policy practice including social justice, human rights, and social action and activism. 3 credits, Fall Semester

HWC 535 - Organizational Leadership Across FYT Systems of Care 
This course provides an evidence-based practice framework for developing advanced organizational leadership skills across systems of care (e.g., mental health, health, education) that impact the lives of youth, families, and young adults. Focus is placed on strategic planning, effective communication, anti-oppressive organizational development and evaluation, and organizational analysis including inter- and intra-organizational contexts. 3 credits, Spring Semester