Introduction

Welcome to “Critical Reflective Child Welfare Decision-Making: A Virtual Practice Simulation”, an online educational research initiative supported by UBC Vancouver students through the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund that we designed to help you learn about the child welfare assessment process.

This online platform includes two video simulations: and 1) the Andrews-Wilson family and 2) the Choy family. During the simulated scenarios, you will be in the role of a child protection worker and be guided through the simulation to conduct the initial meeting with a family, make decisions in the assessment process, and reflect throughout and afterwards on your practice.

Each scenario will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. After completing each video simulation, you can complete a summative reflection activity to process what you have learned.

By the end of the video simulations, students may be able to:

Develop an assessment plan for a child protection scenario.
Conduct a child protection assessment.
Assess child safety and the level of risk.
Refine interviewing skills.
Succinctly explain the role of a social worker to children and families.
Apply social work theories to practice.
Gain an understanding of culturally informed approaches to child welfare practice.
Recognize and reflect on personal biases that may influence their practice.

You are invited to go through each video simulation as many times as you would like – feel free to try different decision-making processes and outcomes!

The Andrews-Wilson Family
The Choy Family

Barbara Lee
Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, University of British Columbia
Director, Centre for the Study of Services to Children and Families
Knowledge Exchange and Mobilization (KxM) Scholar