SWK-40097 - Module Specification
School of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

The module will prepare students for social work practice with children and families with complex needs. This will be achieved by focusing on two key areas of scholarship: theories of human growth and child development, and legal, policy and practice issues relating to children in need and children at risk of harm. The module will develop students¿ understanding of the causes and forms of child abuse and harm and the legal and policy remedies. Students will also develop skills in assessment and risk management in a multi-agency context. Students will critically examine the ethical complexities involved in practice with children and families and develop an awareness of the importance of child-centred practice.

The module will introduce students to the circumstances of children and families as service users and the social work role in service delivery. Building on the introductory safeguarding law delivered in Law and Safeguarding, this module will develop students¿ understanding of the legal and policy framework within which practice with children and families takes place, with an emphasis on child-centred practice. Legal, empirical and practice issues relating to the categories of abuse and harm will be critically discussed.

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically examine the legal and policy context in which social work with children and families with complex needs takes place: 1
demonstrate a critical understanding of child-centred practice: 1
critically examine the circumstances and experiences of children and families as service users, and the role of social workers in service delivery: 1
critically analyse risk, professional decision-making and accountability, including assessment, monitoring and review, in social work practice with children and families: 1
demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon the aims and nature of inter-agency and partnership working: 1

Study hours

Active learning hours are as follows:
Insitu :
Lectures: 20 hours
Workshops: 10 hours
Remote, asynchronous:
Engagement with specified resources: 10 hours
Independent, asynchronous, study hours are as follows:
Directed reading in preparation for lectures and workshops: 20 hours
Preparation for assessments: 90 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment