The module aims to equip qualified practitioners working with children, young people, their families with the ability to critically evaluate the utility of core life span development theories that promote growth and development and the degree to which they contribute to effective outcomes. The module will also enable students to explore challenges in decision making base examining issues such as the role of resilience and attachment and the child in context. The module will also enable students to explore the values and theories influencing contemporary assessment theories and models for intervention and critique the role they have in promoting the holistic needs of children, young people their families and carers. Students will be facilitated to critically reflect upon their role in empowering children, young people, their families and carers and the challenges involved. Risk management theories and their utility for guiding creative decision making in interventions with vulnerable children will be discussed.

Teacher/Student Contact Hours: Students will engage in interactive learning and teaching strategies including interactive lectures (15 hrs) together with small group work, group discussion and seminar presentations (15 hrs)

Independent Learning:
Reflection on the observation and assessment of children within the area of practice (36 hrs). Exploring assessment models and theories of child and adolescent development and preparation for assessment (72 hrs). Access to learning materials and discussion group on Blackboard (12 hrs)

Laptop PC with internet access and data projector
OHP and flipchart,
Television and DVD/VCR
Blackboard VLE
Module and personal tutor.

Dwire N: (Ed) (2008) Meeting the needs of Ethnic Minority Children, including Refugee Children and Black and Mixed Race children. A handbook for Professionals (London JKP)
Howe, D. (2011) Attachment across the lifecourse, Basinstoke Palgrave
Sudbury, J. (2010 Human Growth & Development, Abingdon, Routledge

Professional in Health or Social care working with children, young people and their families or carers.

Written case study 100% 3,000 meeting learning outcomes 1,2,3,4

Additional Assessment Details:

A case study based upon an observation and assessment of a child in the context of the learners specialist practice. The case study will include
- a critical review of the adequacy of relevant lifespan theory and evidence underpinning decision making and interventions taken
- critical evaluation of the assessment model and methods utilised
- critical reflection upon the social workers decision making and transformed perspectives on practice will be included

Formative Assessment:
Verbal and written feedback on the development of written work
Written feedback on seminar presentation