Working with Children, Young People and Families - Mansfield FdA

Core modules (20 credits each)

Child and Adolescent Development

This module provides the theoretical underpinning as to various factors within the psychological, physiological and sociological development of a young person that may contribute to their current situation and behaviour. Within the module, key theories underpinning child development are examined, drawing upon the perennial debate of whether personality is shaped by nature or nurture. The impact of family and social networks on a young person’s behaviour will be examined and how different types of behaviours manifest will be explored. You will learn how to identify behaviours which are ‘atypical’ and will gain experience in assessing a young person’s case file for risk and resilience factors.

Rights, Ethics and Safeguarding

An understanding of rights, ethics and safeguarding is essential for employment when working with children, young people and vulnerable adults in a range of settings. This module will provide knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework underpinning professional working practices with a focus upon child and adult safeguarding, offender rights and the potential conflict this may have with public protection. The concept of ethical practice is introduced, and conscious and unconscious bias is be examined. You are encouraged to reflect on your own ethical position in relation to the welfare/judicial paradigm.

Social Policy

The purpose of this module is to introduce how the lives of children, young people and families are affected by social policy. You will explore a policy cycle that begins with understanding social problems and moves through applying social values, operating political processes, and evaluating sustainable social outcomes related to UN global sustainability goals. You'll appraise the main institutions of the British welfare state; and explore the operation of political processes by examining what is involved in the making and implementing of social policies. This is to help you understand how the way we respond to society’s issues is shaped by our understanding of  people’s problems, the values we believe in, the processes by which decisions are made and implemented, the interests of key stakeholders in the decision-making process, and the body of past responses that constrain our choices.

Youth Work and Informal Education

Designed to introduce the theory, policy and practice of youth and community work and informal education, the module explores the complexities and processes of inclusive informal education and learning in a range of settings. It will help students develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to work effectively with young people individually or in groups and facilitate their informal learning and personal development. There is also a focus on helping to develop community engagement using group work and a range of interpersonal skills.

Students will develop an understanding of the purpose of informal education and youth and community work and insights into the relevance of different models of practice. You will gain insights into the ethics guiding youth work practice, including issues such as professional boundaries and confidentiality and the challenges of supporting young people from a multi-agency perspective. You will be introduced to the core principles relating to reflective practice.

Preparing for Professional Practice

The aim of this module is to enable students to gain an understanding of the world of work by undertaking work experience with an organisation that provides a service working with children, young people and families. Through the context of work related and work-based learning, you will become familiar with key concepts associated with service delivery, explore the interrelationship between theoretical perspectives and practice, contextualise learning from other modules on the course, and engage in personal professional development planning.

Reflection, Assessment and Intervention Strategies in Social Work 1

This module builds on previous learning in the course to explore the role of social work, the problems encountered, and the assessment methods used in social work. Social workers play a key role in services for children, young people and families particularly where individualised supports is required. This module introduces key concepts of social work for those wishing to explore it as a potential career option and those who will work with social work professionals in other roles within the sector.