1) Assignment
Word Length 5,000 words
Learning Outcomes 1 - 8
100%

Students must achieve 40% in order to pass this module. No compensation or condonation is allowed, except for students on the BA Social Studies award.

Formative Assessment
Introductory quiz. Tutor feedback on essay plans.

This module provides an introduction to a range of issues relating to social work practice with children and young people and their families. It seeks to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of:

- The relationship between the law and social work practice;
- Theories of abuse and protection and prevention, including an understanding of perpetrators of abuse;
- Definition of abuse;
- Child care policy;
- The relevance and application of research findings to practice;
- The needs of looked after children;
- The needs of disabled children;
- The adoption process;
- The Government's agenda for child care provision;
- Multi-agency working in child care provision and child protection;
- The needs, rights and participation of looked after children;
- The needs, rights and participation of disabled children
- Knowledge and understanding of the role of local education authorities in child protection and family support;
- Social work practice with young offenders;
- Working with families within a framework which is non-oppressive and which values diversity: personal, cultural, religious and spiritual

Whole group sessions (11 x 5hrs = 55 hours)
A series of lectures will disseminate knowledge and understanding of the key themes of the module.

Small group sessions (5 x 2hrs = 10 hours)
A series of small group sessions/seminars will provide opportunities to relate knowledge and understanding to specific areas. A variety of teaching methods will be used including group exercises, student presentations and role play.

Directed study and independent learning (235 hours)
Including preparation for small group exercises and student debate. Preparation for the assignment through guided reading and research using the library, internet and current news media coverage.

Module handbook
Computing facilities will be needed to access materials on the web and specialist online databases
Access to appropriate texts and journals

This module is open only to students enrolled on the BA (Hons) Social Work who have successfully completed level 1 of this award and students on the BA (Hons) Social Studies.

You will need access to one of the following texts:

- Corby, B (2000) 2nd edition: Child Abuse: Buckingham: Open University ISBN 0335205682
- Brammer, A (2003) Social Work Law: Glasgow: Longman ISBN 0582438314
- DoH/DfEE/Home Office (2000) Framework for the assessment of children in need and their families: Stationery Office, London, (HMSO)
ISBN 0113223102
- Calder, M & Hackett, S (2003) Assessment in Child Care, Lyme Regis, Russell House publishing ISBN 1903855144
- Fox-Harding, L (1997) Perspectives in Child Care, London, Longman ISBN 0582276845
- Horwath, J (ed) (2001) The Child's World, London, Jessica Kingsley ISBN 1853029572
- Thomas, N (2005) Social Work with Young People in Care, Basingstoke, Palgrave ISBN 1403920508