Examine issues often found in families that are affected by child abuse and neglect. Explore the social, environmental and biological components of child maltreatment. Determine the laws, agencies and procedures that are specific to child maltreatment. Define the role played by the helping professional in response to child maltreatment, including mandated reporting of abuse. Assess boundaries and ethical issues commonly found while working with child maltreatment. Apply reflective practitioner methods.

Introduces the field of gerontology, focusing on the complex factors that influence the aging process. Students will examine biopsychosocial variables that impact the quality of life for older adults and explore the ecology of aging, including the effects of societal attitudes, stereotypes, and culturally sensitive practices. The course also examines the value of work in shaping retirement, leisure, and end-of-life issues. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population.

Provides a broad understanding of family systems theory and practice relevant to the human services field. Focus is on evaluating the communication and interaction patterns and applying interventions and strategies.

Developmental Psychology is the study of human development throughout the lifespan. This course explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others.

Explore techniques and approaches to crisis intervention and stress management for providers in the human services field. Determine strategies for initial intervention, diffusion and assessment, resolution and/or referral, with emphasis on safety. Explore physiological processes regarding the short and long term approach to stress. Determine secondary traumatization, burnout and remediation techniques. Evaluate critical incident debriefing. Assess boundaries and ethical issues commonly found with crisis intervention and stress management. Apply basic counseling techniques including motivational interviewing. Apply reflective practitioner methods.