Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit explores issues and approaches associated with working with particularly vulnerable and traumatised children, families and communities, and in so doing it seeks to represent the voice and perspective of service users. Attention is paid to a key aspect of the professional's role—the assessment process. The complex nature of assessment, as stage, process and relationship is explored. In addition, this unit explores the complex relationships at all levels of the child protection system, both with internal and external stakeholders. Students are asked to evaluate their own assessment competencies and areas for development. Self-care is constructed as mental health wellbeing, the organisational, professional and individual barriers and opportunities for sustaining mental health wellbeing are considered.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the role and mandate, and of the moral, legal and organisational frameworks that shape child protection responses across organisations; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practice of assessment, its role in child protection, and their own capacity for development in assessment; (3) show an increased range of assessment tools through a peer-learning process; (4) demonstrate an understanding of the nature of resistance and strategies for working through and across resistance; (5) demonstrate an understanding of the complex conceptual and experiential interrelationship between mental health, substance use and parenting—and child protection; (6) identify organisational, professional and individual barriers and opportunities for mental health wellbeing and professional identity in child protection practice; and (7) demonstrate an understanding of team work—within and across agencies and the meaning of client as team member—and an assessment of their own capacity for and areas for development in teamwork..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) group presentation and (2) essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Stephan Lund
Unit rules
Prerequisites
SWSP5619 Theory and Practice: Child Protection
Contact hours
30 hours
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.