Child and Family Social Work

Subject SCWK90039 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

August, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Aug-2016 to 28-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 11-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 09-Sep-2016
Census Date 16-Sep-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 14-Oct-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 contact hours (8 x 3 hours seminar)
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s courses. Students who think their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Prof Aron Shlonsky

Contact

aron.shlonsky@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject gives students a foundation for social work practice in the field of services to children and young people at significant risk of harm and their families and carers, using a framework for understanding and responding in their family network and community. It covers key policy debates, program arrangements, practice trends and ethical issues in services to protect children and young people, and promote their well-being. The subject pays particular attention to the theoretical and practical aspects of understanding and responding to risk and serious harm. It examines both routine and innovative approaches to policy development and service provision in the areas of family support, child protection, youth services and out-of-home care services, taking into account of emerging patterns of need and the socio-political context of program development. Students will learn about the particular functions and skills required of social workers practising in this field.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who complete this subject should:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the social work role in the child, youth and family field in Australia
  • Be able to critically review social, cultural, organisational and ethical contexts of child, youth and family practice
  • Demonstate a beginning knowledge of key social work skills for child, youth and family practice
Assessment:
  1. Class presentation (group) - due mid Semester (10%)
  2. 500 written summary of presentation - due mid semester (15%)
  3. Written essay, 3500 words - due end of semester (75%)
Prescribed Texts:

A reading guide will be available.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • critically analyse texts and practices;
  • understand recent developments in social work contexts of practice;
  • link theory to practice;
  • competently communicate in ways relevant to both academic and practice contexts;
  • undertake independent research.
Links to further information: http://www.socialwork.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Course(s): Master of Social Work

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