Young People at Risk

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.
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 programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty
Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject begins with an exploration of the concept of 'at risk' as it applies to young people, and the use and purpose of such a categorisation by relevant services and through policy. The impact of risk and protective factors on adolescent health and well-being will be examined including factors operating at individual, family and community levels. The course will discuss contemporary intervention approaches: most notably “strengths-based” practice, as well as collaborative holistic approaches to service delivery. After discussing the theoretical principles and philosophy underlying “effective”, or “exemplary” practice, students will be encouraged to explore innovative services relevant and accessible to the young people with whom they are currently working or would like to work with.

This subject is designed to enable students to:

• critically discuss the concept of being ‘at risk’ in relation to young people, including the different definitions and applications of the term;
• examine a variety of theories to explain positive and negative outcomes for young people;
• consider the efficacy of the service system’s currentresponse to the needs of young people ‘at risk’;
• identify the characteristics of effective and exemplary practice appropriate to the needs of the young people with whom they work;
• recognise the policy, legislative and organisational rules and guidelines within which professionals working with young people ‘at risk’ practice;
• reflect on a range of professional practice issues that need to be considered when working with young people ‘at risk ’ and identify the opportunities for incorporating appropriate and effective practice principles into their own work.

Risk Assessment, 1000 words for Grad Dip; 1200 words for Masters, due mid-semester (end of week 6), worth 20%

Reflective Piece, 500 words for Grad Dip; 600 words for Masters, due mid-semester (end of week 6), worth 10%

Case study assessment and report, 2500 words for Grad Dip; 3000 words for Masters, due end of Semester (week 12), worth 70%

N/A

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of the subject it is expected that students will have increased their capacity to:
• recognise their own and other professionals’ roles in the care of young people ‘at risk’, taking into account the complexity of practice issues;
• present an argument for intervention with a young person they consider to be ‘at risk’;
• formulate an effective plan for intervention with a young person ‘at risk’, articulating desired goals and outcomes;
• describe the process for effective referral, collaboration and consultation appropriate to their plan;
• identify the approaches, behaviours and techniques required to maximise the possibility of a positive long term outcome from their work with a given young person.