Essay:
An 3,500 word assignment demonstrating a critical understanding of key themes from the module and their application in practice.[Learning Outcomes 1-4]

Individual Presentation:
A 15 minute presentation demonstrating a critical reflection of themes underpinning personal practice, supported by a reflective evaluation of 1,500 words. [Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 5]

The module will explore three themes: understandings of childhood and family, care of children and families, and interventions regarding work with children and families.
The understandings theme will investigate the notions of childhood and family with a focus on past and present theories, research and understandings that work to inform contemporary conceptions. It will include research undertaken concerning the physical, emotional, social and spiritual development of the child. The changing role of the child, the parent and the family will be discussed and critiqued, informed by historical perspectives. The care theme will provide a critical appraisal of current methods of working with children. It will discuss the challenging situations that some children inhabit and policies which have been introduced to safeguard the child and the family in light of the evidence concerning issues of neglect and abuse. A variety of relevant child protection materials, policies and interventions will be critiqued. Engagement with and critique of relevant policy and its outworking in practice will be encouraged. The intervention theme will analyse contemporary structures of support for the members of the family and critique current interventions regarding work with children and families. A variety of issues, such as culture and socio-economic situation, that influence work with the family will be analysed. A range of research outcomes concerning developmentally suitable and culturally appropriate interventions with children and with families will be introduced, analysed and critiqued.

This module will continue the three inter-related learning strategies for the programme. Six day-long workshops will consist of interactive presentations, discussion, and critical debate. Tutorials will allow discussion of the individual research students are undertaking to prepare their assignments. Independent study will allow reading around selected topics, the development of individual responses to the reading and the preparation for the assessed presentation and essay.

Barnes, J. Katz, IB. Kerbin, J. O'Brien, M. (2006) Children & Families in Communities: Theory, Research, Policy and Practice. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Collins, J. (2008) Promoting Children's Wellbeing. Policy and Practice. Bristol: Policy Press
Dolan, P. Canavan, J. & Pinkerton, J (2000) Family Support: Direction from Diversity. London: Jessica Kingsley Publisher.
Douglas, E. (2010) Innovations in Child and Family Policy: Multidisciplinary Research and Perspectives on Strengthening Children and their Families. New York: Lexington Books.
Franklin, B. (2001) The New Handbook of Children's Rights: Comparative Policy and Practice. London: Routledge.
Goldson, B. Et al (2007) Children, Welfare and the State. London: Sage
Iwaniec, D. & Hill, M. (ed) (2000) Child Welfare Policy and Practice: Issues and Lessons emerging from current research. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Jones, P. (2009) Rethinking Childhood. Continuum: London
Muncie, J. (2003) Understanding the Family. London: Sage
Layard, R. & Dunn, J. (2009) A Good Childhood: Searching for Values in a Competitive Age. London: Penguin Books.

Oasis College Library
On-line access to Staffordshire University Library
Access to ICT
Rooms with access for disabled students