Social Welfare Policy and Services Sequence

Social welfare policy is the context through which the public sanctions the delivery of clinical social work services and legitimizes the role of the social work profession.

Image
A student wearing a mask is engaged in conversation with another student.

Policy courses are designed to enhance the training of clinical social work students by contributing to their knowledge of the major historical developments in the American social welfare system, and their knowledge of policy developments within specific areas of practice including health, mental health, child welfare, family, aging and/or disability.

Contemporary policy issues are examined in relation to economic developments, demographic changes in the population, the evolution of knowledge about public issues, technology and advances within the profession.

As part of the Policy Sequence you will participate in the Community Based Anti-Racism Experience (CBARE) which engages you in social work activity that goes beyond direct clinical work with individuals, families and small groups and promotes anti-racism in organizations, neighborhoods and our larger social systems.

view courses

Sequence Coordinators and Faculty
Loren Cahill stands in the Colored Girls Museum in Philadelphia wearing a black and white blouse. Her arms are folded in front of her.

Loren Cahill, M.S.W., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Loren S. Cahill is an assistant professor at Smith College School for Social Work. Cahill grew up in St. Louis, MO, where she was nurtured by a family of judges…
Alberto Guerrero headshot

Alberto Guerrero, M.S.W., Ph.D.

Lecturer | Practicum Faculty Adviser | Practicum Seminar Instructor
Alberto Guerrero, M.S.W., Ph.D., focuses his research on the intersecting impact of trauma, legal system involvement, and zero tolerance policies for…
JaLisa Williams smiles at the camera.

JaLisa Williams, M.S.W., LCSW

Lecturer
JaLisa Williams, M.S.W., LCSW, is a fierce therapist, educator and curator who has worked to create intentional spaces and conversations regarding self-care…
Smith SSW monogram logo in brown reading Smith College SSW

Rose Marie Äikäs, M.S.W., M.A., Ph.D.

Adjunct Professor
Rose Marie Äikäs is a professor at CUNY-Queensborough Community College, where she teaches courses in criminal justice and social work. Her current research…