Child and Family Social Work

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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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.

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.

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

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%)

A reading guide will be available.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.