Core for Social Workers provides a foundational understanding and skill set related to child welfare practice in California. The goal is to provide training that reflects real world application of knowledge and skill to daily child welfare practice. Additionally, Core for Social Workers allows participants to build a network of support with colleagues in Northern California as they work through the variety of key concepts and foundations of child welfare practice.
Cohort Course Schedule
This cohort will be held in-person at the Oxford Suites Hotel in Chico, CA.
- Full day trainings: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Half-day trainings: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
COURSE MAKE-UP REQUESTS: In order to be enrolled in select courses within this cohort for make-up, please email your request to Academy@ucdavis.edu
Module 1
- Orientation to CA Child Welfare Practice Oct. 7, 2025
- Intro to Child Development Oct. 8, 2025
- Trauma-Informed Practice Oct. 9, 2025
- Fairness and Equity Oct. 10, 2025
Module 2
- Child and Family Teaming Nov. 4, 2025
- Legal Procedures Nov. 5, 2025
- Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and Working with Native American Families and Tribes Nov. 6, 2025
Module 3
- Key Issues in Child Welfare Dec. 9-10, 2025
- Cultural Humility in Child Welfare Interviews Dec.11, 2025
- Critical Thinking & Assessment Dec. 12, 2025 (1/2 day)
Module 4
- Engagement & Interviewing Jan. 13, 2026
- Interviewing Children Jan. 14, 2026
- Child Maltreatment Identification Skills Lab Jan. 15-16, 2026
Module 5
- Structured Tools & Assessment Skills Lab Feb. 3-4, 2026
- SOP Foundational Institute Feb. 5-6, 2026
(The SOP Foundational Institute is not part of the statewide standardized Core requirements but is a regional addition. If students miss this class, they will still successfully complete Core.)
Module 6
- Teaming with Families to Develop Behavioral Case Plans Mar. 3, 2026
- Managing the Plan: Supporting Safety, Permanency and Well-Being Mar. 4, 2026
- Transition Practice Mar. 5, 2026
Please note: This schedule only lists the classroom requirements for the Core for Social Workers program. Please refer to the Core 3.5 Overview document for information on the full requirements of the program, including eLearnings and Field Activities.