At Florida Atlantic, the Child Welfare Certificate is designed for students who want hands-on experience and a strong foundation in both practice and policy. You’ll gain direct field experience, learn from expert faculty, and develop specialized skills in areas like trauma-informed care, family engagement, and child maltreatment prevention. The program’s close ties to local agencies and its focus on real-world application set it apart, helping you graduate ready to step into a child welfare career.
Degrees Offered at Florida Atlantic
Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with Child Welfare Certificate
Graduate
- Master of Social Work (MSW) with Child Welfare Certificate (including a 100% online option)
Explore Degree Programs in Child Welfare
Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes
2. Develop skills in child and family assessment, trauma-informed care, and family engagement.
3. Prepare for professional roles in child welfare agencies and related organizations.
2. Apply trauma-informed and evidence-based intervention strategies with children and families.
3. Engage effectively with families, courts, and community partners to support child safety and well-being.
4. Complete field experiences that prepare you for immediate entry into child welfare careers.

Marianna L. Colvin, Ph.D
Associate Professor
College of Social Work and Criminal Justice

Morgan Cooley, PhD, LCSW
Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Academic Effectiveness
College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
Sandler School of Social Work
Boca Raton Campus

Tod Marshall
Executive Administrative Assistant
College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
Sandler School of Social Work

Precious Skinner-Osei, PhD, MSW
Interim Director, BSW Program Coordinator, and Associate Professor
College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
Sandler School of Social Work