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.
![A student wearing a mask is engaged in conversation with another student.](/sites/default/files/styles/body_media_image/public/images/2023-03/SSK_7835.jpg?itok=48Gxa4XM)
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.
![Loren Cahill stands in the Colored Girls Museum in Philadelphia wearing a black and white blouse. Her arms are folded in front of her.](/sites/default/files/styles/faculty_teaser_image/public/images/2023-05/cahill_cropped.jpg?h=f1a88864&itok=i60zXQPk)
Loren Cahill, M.S.W., Ph.D.
![Alberto Guerrero headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/faculty_teaser_image/public/images/2023-02/Alberto%20Guerrero-5713_0.jpg?h=62ea5e6c&itok=3lYBFTXP)
Alberto Guerrero, M.S.W., Ph.D.
![JaLisa Williams smiles at the camera.](/sites/default/files/styles/faculty_teaser_image/public/images/2023-07/williams_jalisa_2023_crop.jpg?h=3733626d&itok=8eA6HAe4)
JaLisa Williams, M.S.W., LCSW
![Smith SSW monogram logo in brown reading Smith College SSW](/sites/default/files/styles/faculty_teaser_image/public/images/2023-03/bio_no_photo.png?h=be9c4f6d&itok=RJv6deKA)