Engaging with Families

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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 feel 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 introduces students to family-centered practice and engaging with families across the life course. Theories of family engagement are explored in the context of contemporary social work practice. The course will have a particular emphasis on the development of practice skill.

On successful completion of this series of lectures and seminars, participants should be able to:

• Develop an overview of the theoretical foundations of family practice
• Identify the key elements and logic of family systems theory and collaborative family work;
• Use the collaborative family work model with a range of family life course issues relating to: families with children; families with young people; family work with extended family groups; and family work with elderly clients.
• Demonstrate practice skills within the collaborative family work model’
• Critically consider the social work interpretative lenses in the context of family practice.

1. Written assignment totalling 1,500 words (due mid semester) 40%

2. x1 15 minute audio visual recorded interview (due end of semester) 60%

Trotter, C. (2013) Collaborative Family Work: A practical guide to working with families in the human services. Crows Nest NSW: Allen & Unwin

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who complete this subject should be able to:

• Understand the development of family practice over time
• Link theory to practice
• Critically analyze texts and practices