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. All classes will take place at Hyatt House Airport Natomas in Sacramento, CA.
Cohort Course Schedule
This cohort will be held in-person at Hyatt House Airport Natomas in Sacramento, 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 Jul. 29, 2025
- Intro to Child Development Jul. 30, 2025
- Trauma-Informed Practice Jul. 31, 2025
- Fairness and Equity Aug. 1, 2025
Module 2
- Child and Family Teaming Aug. 26, 2025
- Legal Procedures Aug. 27, 2025
- Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and Working with Native American Families and Tribes Aug. 28, 2025
Module 3
- Key Issues in Child Welfare Sept. 23-24, 2025
- Cultural Humility in Child Welfare Interviews Sept. 25, 2025
- Critical Thinking & Assessment Sept. 26, 2025 (1/2 day)
Module 4
- Engagement & Interviewing Oct. 21, 2025
- Interviewing Children Oct. 22, 2025
- Child Maltreatment Identification Skills Lab Oct. 23-24, 2025
Module 5
- Structured Tools & Assessment Skills Lab Nov. 18-19, 2025
- SOP Foundational Institute Nov. 20-21, 2025
(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 Dec. 16, 2025
- Managing the Plan: Supporting Safety, Permanency and Well-Being Dec. 17, 2025
- Transition Practice Dec. 18, 2025
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.