WS5110 - Key Theoretical Perspectives in Contemporary Practice

Credit points:	03
Year:	2009
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	Discipline of Social Work & Community Welfare

This subject provides an overview of key perspectives on contemporary child protection practice. It will assist students to understand the history of child protection in Australia and its statutory context, critically appraise different theories for practice and become familiar with a range of assessment frameworks. Students will learn to critically evaluate claims and arguments and to reason and deploy evidence effectively in practice. Assessment tasks focus on applying knowledge and skills to practice. The subject will comprise four modules: an introduction to child abuse and the management of child protection in Australia; theories for practice in child protection; balancing a child-focussed approach with family-centred practice and decision-making in child protection. The subject aims to promote skills in assessment, critical analysis and the evaluation of knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

• develop a strong grounding in the theoretical perspectives, values and philosophies underpinning child welfare practice;
• develop skills in critically applying and evaluating assessment frameworks;
• critically reflect on, explain and defend their own decision making processes from a strong evidence base.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner.

Availabilities
Townsville, Limited, Study Period 1
Census Date 27-Mar-2009
Face to face teaching (Three day workshop in lecture recess - consult School for details)
Coordinator:	Dr Debra Miles
Contact hours:	24 hours workshops/Seminars
Assessment:	essays (40%); assignments (60%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.