This course will present the basics of child welfare professionalism with a focus on the agency's mission, vision and values. Creating a solid foundation for practice is integral to success.  This course begins to prepare new child welfare workers for working as a DCFS professional.   

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize mission, vision, values, including child welfare principles of practice

• Discusss professional presentation of self

• Model appropriate dress, communication, and ethical behavior

• Demonstrate professional attire, appropriate language and courtroom etiquette

• Use appropriate written and verbal communication to include grammar when addressing others

• Differentiate personal and professional feelings resulting from client's and stakeholder's interactions

• Communicate with stakeholder groups/ Individual, responsibility and community

• Interact with service providers to obtain necessary documentation regarding services and monthly reports

• Bring awareness of the use of language both verbal and written communication

• Meet with supervisor regularly and sharing appropriate case information

• Attend staffings

• Observe a staffing and document family dynamics, safety issues and services

• Seek guidance from covering supervisors, veteran workers in the absence of your supervisor