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SWK551 - Engaging Vulnerable Families

2025

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Social Work

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

Students will acquire knowledge for working with families who face complex challenges that compromise the care and protect of their children. Child protection systems and complementary models of support or prevention are critically examined. Students will develop personal strategies of self-care to build resilience for working within the challenging environment of child protection. Attention is paid to the values and assumptions that influence discretionary decision making when working with families. Strategies are also introduced for building the resilience of those involved with vulnerable families.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Assess the individual and structural factors that contribute to the abuse and neglect of children.
2.	Critique contemporary frameworks for supporting the protection of children within families and communities.
3.	Apply skills and knowledge for discretionary decision-making in child protection practice.
4.	Apply strategies that promote personal resilience.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Presentation (1500 words)	30%	1 - Assess the individual and structural factors that contribute to the abuse and neglect of children. 2 - Critique contemporary frameworks for supporting the protection of children within families and communities. 3 - Apply skills and knowledge for discretionary decision-making in child protection practice.'
2.	Quizzes (2 x 30 minutes)	40%	1 - Assess the individual and structural factors that contribute to the abuse and neglect of children. 4 - Apply strategies that promote personal resilience.'
3.	Reflective Learning Journal (1500 words)	30%	4 - Apply strategies that promote personal resilience.'

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2025	Semester 1	External	External Studies	OLR

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OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2024 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)