1. Students will be given a case study to analyse, identifying risks and considerations within the scenario presented. Students will examine current safeguarding policies, practices and legislation in relation to the Criminal Justice sector for either adults or children and apply this to the given case study. Students should produce a written briefing report (LOs 1-3).

2. Students will verbally present the briefing report to a panel where the panel will question the student on their analysis of the case and their rationale for decisions made. The length of the presentation will be 10 minutes and there will be 5 minutes of questioning at the end (LO 4).

The students will have a choice of adult or children’s case study.

This module will introduce students to the notion of safeguarding of adults and children. It will develop the learning by starting with key legislation and examine why these were enacted by parliament. It will examine several high-profile case reviews, safeguarding vulnerable adults and child protection, tracking the development of policy and practice from the recommendations of these case reviews. The module will examine safeguarding within the broader context of the criminal justice system, critically examining how nuances within certain sectors may support or hinder effective safeguarding policy and practice.

This module is designed to enhance students’ employability by enhancing their legal and policy literacy; analytical and critical thinking skills; decision making; problem solving in real world contexts; communication and advocacy; and professional awareness.

1. Evaluate key political drivers, policies, and practice in relation to Safeguarding for Professionals

University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and understanding, Learning

2. Evaluate the impact of safeguarding policy within the broader socio-political context of¿the criminal justice system

University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and understanding, Application

3. Analyse and reflect on the policy impact that serious case reviews have had within the broader context of the criminal justice system

University Learning Outcome: Analysis, Reflection

4. Justify decision making in regard to measures that should be applied in safeguarding cases

University Learning Outcome: Communication, Reflection, Problem solving

This module offers you an opportunity to learn about and build your Adult and Child Safeguarding knowledge ready to begin your career in the Criminal Justice sector. This module will challenge you to synthesise your understanding of theories of good safeguarding, integrated care and ethical practice. The module will build on the knowledge you will have gained from other modules on the degree to develop a strong foundation in safeguarding best practice. The module is grounded in theory and has a strong practical focus, offering opportunities within the module to examine high profile safeguarding case studies, meet safeguarding professionals working in the field and engage in simulated learning workshops centred around safeguarding case studies.

Lectures and workshops introducing the information and developing discussion regarding the course material. Tutorials will aide learning by developing critical analysis and provide assessment support. Opportunities for case study explorations and role play practical exercises will be integrated where possible.
Non-contact time will involve extensive reading of the course material with a view to developing knowledge from recommended reading material to prepare for assessments.

Ansbro, M. (2017) ‘Looking under the bonnet: probation officers’ practice with child protection cases’, Child & family social work, 22(S4), pp. 20–30. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12231.

Barnett, D. (2019) The Straightforward Guide to Safeguarding Adults: From Getting the Basics Right to Applying the Care Act and Criminal Investigations. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Barnett, H. (2022) Children’s rights and the law¿: an introduction. 1st ed. London¿; Routledge.

Mandelstam, M. (2019) Safeguarding adults and the law¿: an A-Z of law and practice. Third edition. London, England¿; Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Starns, B. (2019) Safeguarding Adults Together under the Care Act 2014: A multi-agency practice guide. Critical Publishing.

VLE
Lecture and tutorial room equipped with means to fulfil the teaching strategies